The Many Marks of Childhood At age 18, the state of California in association with the federal government legally declares an individual to be an adult. He or she can now vote, watch pornography, buy a variety of things like cigarettes and spray paint, and even die for his or her own country. I remember the days approaching my 18th birthday. When we're younger and smaller, we tend to imagine that there is some magical change …showed first 75 words of 971 total…

…showed last 75 words of 971 total…for the child to make its own decisions. But as one leaves childhood and goes into adulthood, it sometimes seems like the "grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." It is so easy to live in a supportive sheltered home and to be provided for. Sometimes I wish I could tell a child to appreciate how easy they have it, but I never do because I don't think they'd quite understand.