Being an Adult

Today's writing prompt is "What is the moment that you leave childhood and enter adulthood?"

Technically we all reach adulthood about the same time. I would say we're all considered adults once we are handed that high school diploma, shake hands and step off the stage. Usually between the ages of 17 and 19. Adulthood is pretty much a number.

I think this question would be better worded "What is the moment that you become a grown-up?" You can be an adult without being grown-up, in my opinion. I know plenty of adults who still have some growing up to do(at times me included).

We become grown-up when we start thinking of responsibilities before fun. When we realize that others depend on us to make good decisions. I'm not talking just about children depending on us, adults depend on each other as well. You make the decision to drive safely, you may of ensured that someone arrived home. You pay your bills, it means that another adult now has the money to pay theirs. Little decisions count.

Being grown up is hard. The responsibility can be tremendous, overwhelming. However it's fun too. As a child you couldn't do some of the things you can now. Also being a grown up isn't permanent/constant. You can have moments of being less then grown up. You should have these moments. They keep us grown ups sane.