Growing Up Too Fast?

Photography Rachel Fleminger Hudson, Styling Andra-Amelia Buhai

When I was 13, I was all about scoring an American Girl Doll for Christmas, not scouring the shelves for Drunk Elephant retinol. Now, as a 21-year-old, I'm left scratching my head at the antics of today's younger generation.

Back in my day, YouTube makeup artists were in their golden days, and I definitely spent way too much time obsessing over those makeup-filled Alex drawers from Ikea. But let's be real, I still remained interested in dolls and cartoons. Nowadays, it's a whole different ball game. Instead of dreaming about dolls, these kids are eyeing Stanley Cups and designer makeup. It's like they're skipping childhood and heading straight to adulthood.

Are kids just growing up faster these days, or are we adults just getting old and out of touch? It's a bit of both.

Photography Rachel Fleminger Hudson, Styling Andra-Amelia Buhai

Kids today are practically born with smartphones in their hands, which means they're bombarded with adult stuff from day one. Social media, YouTube, you name it – it's all there, serving up everything from makeup tutorials to political debates. And honestly, they're almost always not ready for it. Then there's the pressure to fit in. With influencers plastered all over Instagram living their best lives, it's no wonder kids feel like they need to grow up fast. Suddenly, it's not about playing with toys anymore; it's about having the right clothes and knowing how to get your skin to look like glass. Meanwhile, grown women left and right are selling out lip smackers and putting bows on anything and everything. It's like we've all been caught in some weird time warp. Kids are acting like adults, while adults are trying to recapture their youth. This nostalgic consumerism reflects a collective longing for simpler times, yet it's entangled with the ever-evolving digital landscape. It's a complex dynamic that impacts both generations, particularly vulnerable children. As a society, we must value the importance of unplugged play, fostering creativity, and honoring the natural milestones of childhood. Finding a balance between digital exposure and real-world experiences is paramount for the well-being of our youth. While the pace of growing up may seem relentless, there remains a place in both young and old hearts where childhood innocence can flourish, free from the constraints of technology. It's in nurturing this space that we can ensure a brighter, more balanced future for all.