Some snippets from the Daily Mail obtained just this morning discuss the changed psychiatric guidelines regarding the chronological age of adolescence. It would seem our British cousins believe the timeframe for this period should be extended beyond the age of 18. Please remember whatever is seen across the pond will be picked up by some members of the medical establishment here. Also please remember this reasoning continues to make them (and their parents) eligible for certain benefits beyond when they would normally end. It also would enlarge the client base for child psychologists and psychiatrists beyond what it currently is, and contribute to employment security in these shaky economic times.

The Daily Mail online – 9/24/13

Adolescence no longer ends when people hit 18, according to updated guidelines being given to child psychologists.The new directive is designed to extend the age range that child psychologists can work with from 18 years old up to 25.

It is hoped the initiative will stop children being ‘rushed’ through their childhood and feeling pressured to achieve key milestones quickly, reports the BBC…There are now three stages of adolescence, according to the BBC report: early adolescence that ranges from 12 to 14 years, middle adolescence from 15 to 17 years and 18 and over is classed as late adolescence . . .

It has been introduced because research now suggests the brain continues developing through and passed [sic] teenage years, well into a person’s mid-twenties and thirties.

The new guidance is also to make ensure [sic] that over 18s don’t miss out on opportunities, or are forgotten about, in terms of health and education.

Now to be fair, there are two sides to expanded adolescence. Having the heart and mind of an 18-year-old at age 60 is a good thing if it makes life more light-hearted, allows one to bounce back faster from disappointments, and allows a humorous viewpoint on most of life’s events. The downside of this outlook, at least on the part of some, is an unreasoning and self-righteous attitude, the idea that everything is in black and white, and a tendency to place authority figures on a pedestal, failing to realize they have feet of clay.

Another drawback, observed frequently here in this island paradise, is the way these overgrown adolescents – some into their 50s and 60s – handle their BMWs and Mercedes around us less-well-endowed retired working stiffs – not to mention their behavior in the check-out lines at Harris Teeter. But, I digress.

Whatever is seen in Britain, medically and socially, will usually be picked up on by the liberal establishment here and repeated.

One thing is for sure – in light of this information, we should be rethinking the 18-year-old vote. I know at 18 they can carry a weapon and kill for their country – but remember their every action in that environment is controlled and dictated by someone older than them – they are closely controlled and essentially not allowed to think for themselves.

Scripsit ID

The Czar of Muscovy

Божію Поспѣшествующею Милостію Мы, Дима Грозный Императоръ и Самодержецъ Всероссiйскiй, цѣсарь Московскiй. The Czar was born in the steppes of Russia in 1267, and was cheated out of total control of all Russia upon the death of Boris Mikhailovich, who replaced Alexander Yaroslav Nevsky in 1263. However, in 1283, our Czar was passed over due to a clerical error and the rule of all Russia went to his second cousin Daniil (Даниил Александрович), whom Czar still resents. As a half-hearted apology, the Czar was awarded control over Muscovy, inconveniently located 5,000 miles away just outside Chicago. He now spends his time seething about this and writing about other stuff that bothers him.