About 10 years. Upon reaching high school a teen can look back and see that it wasn't so very long ago that they were learning how to hold a crayon and tie their shoes.
Kinders are shorter. They talk funny. They laugh at themselves. They're cute. They look cute. They talk cute. They wear cute clothes. They don't know how to cut or glue or put their shoes on the right feet. Everything (and I mean everything) is a big deal.
Teens, the taller version of a kinder, thinks they're cute. They laugh at others. Their style is undeveloped. They cut and paste on digital devices. Everything (and I mean everything) revolves around them.
Tall and short, both love to be the center of attention. Your laughter is the fuel that keeps them going. Give them an inch and they'll steal the show. Teens use this as a way to divert the teacher, who will hopefully forget the assignment. Kinders use it to sneak into your heart.
Both ask questions, but kinders have the monopoly on Why, Where, and When. All kids will tell you just about anything you wanted to know and lots you don't want to know. Kinders don't have a filter. Yet. Some kids never get a filter. No matter how tall they get. Teens have perfected the art of saying a lot of nothing. Need some advice on how to beat around the bush? Take lessons from a teen.
Both have attitude. Have you ever seen a 5 year old put their hand on their hip and roll their eyes? Cute? Yes. Surprising? Not so much. Future smart aleck? Probably. Should this be corrected? Absolutely (after you stop laughing).
When you stop and think about it there isn't that much different. They are all kids seeking love and attention. They are all kids hoping to be good or do good. On something. They just go about it differently.
(For more of Kim Frencken's writing and information about her educational products, check out her blog Chocolate For the Teacher.)
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