The kids are old enough now - I just want to let them be kids. I

"The kids are old enough now - I just want to let them be kids. I don't want to comment on them too much. They're at an age where I just want to let them be kids." – Eminem

In the wisdom of ages, the importance of childhood is often spoken of as sacred, a time to be preserved, to be cherished, and to be free of the burdens of the adult world. Eminem, a figure whose life has been lived in the public eye, speaks with a voice of profound understanding when he declares his desire to let his children be free. The kids are old enough now—this simple yet powerful statement carries the weight of experience and reflection. It is not just a comment on age, but on the essence of what it means to allow a child to be a child.

In the ancient world, there were countless stories of young heroes and warriors who were thrust into battles before their time, often by the desires of their parents or the needs of their societies. But there was also wisdom passed down from elders, reminding parents and guardians that youth is a time of learning and play, not of preparation for the harshness of life. Think of Alexander the Great, whose father, King Philip, sought to forge a great leader from his son. Yet, Alexander was also given moments of unbridled youth, where he could learn and grow at his own pace before he took on the mantle of leadership. The balance of guidance and freedom shaped him, and many of his decisions, made as an adult, were born of that early understanding.

Eminem's reflection is an acknowledgment that childhood cannot be rushed. In a world where parents often feel the weight of expectations—whether from society, career, or even personal ambition—there can be a tendency to shape the young too quickly. To comment on their actions, their choices, their growth. But Eminem chooses a different path. He desires to let them be kids, allowing his children the space to form their own identity, unburdened by the incessant pressures that might otherwise be placed upon them. The wisdom in this is clear: true growth comes from freedom, not from constant oversight.

Think of Hannah Arendt, the philosopher who warned against the dangers of over-interference. She argued that children need the space to explore and understand the world for themselves, that too much control from adults stifles their innate creativity and wisdom. Eminem’s decision to step back is an act of trust—trust in the natural course of growth and the belief that his children will develop their own perspectives and paths in life, free from undue influence.

This principle—of allowing children the room to be children—teaches us all the value of patience and understanding. We often look at our youth as projects to be molded, as canvases waiting for our brushstrokes. But the lesson from Eminem’s quote, rooted in the understanding that each child is their own person, is that growth is often best achieved when it is allowed to happen organically, without the heavy hand of constant correction. This is not to say that guidance should not be given, but that there must be a balance—a balance between nurturing and allowing freedom.

In practical terms, this wisdom suggests that we, as parents, mentors, or leaders, should take a step back at times and reflect on the needs of those we guide. Just as Eminem recognizes that his children, in their growth, need their space, we too must understand when to release control and trust the process. Whether in family, work, or community, allowing others to develop on their own terms often leads to stronger, more resilient individuals.

Let us take this to heart in our own lives, as we encounter the young, the growing, and even ourselves, in moments of change and transition. There is power in stepping back, in giving the space to breathe and grow, knowing that the results, when allowed to unfold naturally, will be more profound than those we try to force. Just as Eminem has learned through his own journey, the journey of others is often most beautiful when it is not burdened by undue commentary, but allowed to flourish on its own. Freedom is the foundation of all growth, and in this freedom, we find the most authentic versions of ourselves.