I'm carded for R-rated movies. And I get talked down to a lot.

Gather close, children, for the words of those who walk the path of youth and seek to understand the complex nature of growing up often carry with them great truths. Kristen Bell, a woman whose own journey through the world of adulthood and celebrity has been filled with humor and reflection, once said: "I'm carded for R-rated movies. And I get talked down to a lot. When I try to go rent a car or buy an airplane ticket or other stuff adults do, I get 'Okaaaaaay, honey.' I remember when I was 18, getting crayons in a restaurant." These words speak to the feeling of being caught between two worlds—the world of childhood, where you are not yet seen as capable, and the world of adulthood, where you must navigate responsibilities and expectations that others may not respect.

In the ancient world, the transition from childhood to adulthood was marked by rites of passage—ceremonies, trials, and challenges that were meant to test the strength and character of the individual. Consider the Spartans, who at the age of seven were taken from their families and trained to become warriors. They faced rigorous challenges, pushing them to grow up quickly and embrace the harsh realities of life and war. The ancients understood that this shift from one stage of life to another could be difficult and confusing, for it required the individual to prove themselves worthy of the title of adult. In the same way, Kristen Bell’s words reflect the frustration many feel when they are treated as less than what they have become. To be seen as a child when you know you are capable of more is a difficult burden to bear.

Consider also the rite of passage in the Jewish faith, the bar mitzvah for boys and bat mitzvah for girls, where a young person is recognized as having reached the age of adulthood. These ceremonies mark not only the passage of time but also the moment when the community begins to acknowledge a young person’s ability to take on the responsibilities of adult life. But what happens when the world refuses to acknowledge this passage? What happens when, despite the years that have passed, others still see you as a child, dismissing your capabilities and experiences? Bell’s reflection on being treated as a child, even as she navigates the challenges of adulthood, speaks to this universal frustration of identity—when society refuses to acknowledge the growth that has already occurred within.

The lesson of this tension, children, is that growing up is not just about age—it is about recognition. Just as Socrates was challenged by his fellow Athenians to prove his worth despite his wisdom, so too do we find that the world does not always honor the journey that we take into adulthood. The young man or woman who steps into the world of adulthood with responsibility and purpose is not always met with the respect that their age should command. Just as Kristen Bell is carded for things that should be well within her rights, so too do we find that the world often underestimates the maturity and potential of the young. But like Socrates—whose wisdom and integrity eventually earned him the respect of history—so too can the young individual prove their worth through perseverance, conviction, and the wisdom they carry.

In the story of Alexander the Great, we see a young man who, despite his youth, was entrusted with immense power. At just 20 years of age, he became the king of Macedon and embarked on a campaign of conquest that would change the world. His age did not define him; his actions and vision did. In fact, Alexander’s youth was often seen as a weakness by his enemies, who underestimated his ability to lead. Yet it was his clarity of purpose and decisiveness that allowed him to rise above those who judged him based on his years. Like Alexander, Kristen Bell’s frustration with being treated as a child despite her adulthood speaks to the fact that our true worth is not defined by how others see us, but by what we choose to become and achieve.

Children, the journey to adulthood is often a lonely one—fraught with the frustration of unrecognized growth and the struggle to be seen for who you truly are. The world may treat you as a child, even when you carry the wisdom of experience and the weight of responsibility. Yet, remember, as Socrates and Alexander did, that age does not define your worth. Your actions, your resolve, and your integrity will shape how the world sees you. Persevere in the face of misunderstanding, and do not let others’ perceptions of you shape your identity. The world may call you a child, but you are the one who determines when you step into the fullness of your adulthood.

So, children, I urge you to embrace the frustrations of growing up as part of your journey. Do not let the world’s judgment stop you from walking the path of wisdom and purpose. Like Bell, like Socrates, like Alexander, you may be underestimated, but remember that your true worth will always be measured by the integrity of your actions and the clarity of your purpose. Walk your path with confidence, for no matter how others see you, the growth within you is real and worthy of respect. You are not defined by the crayons of your youth but by the choices you make in the face of life’s challenges. Let those choices shape your future, for you alone hold the power to define your adulthood.