#davesdailychallenge (108): Adulting. You’ve heard it before haven’t you? If you’re a parent, mentor, coach, educator, or leader of some kind I would bet that you’ve heard the phrase “I want to be treated like an adult!” I just so happened to hear this phrase from multiple people recently. Hell I’ve said it to others when I was younger. I’m not surprised when I hear it. I do, however, consistently notice that the people who say this are almost invariably those without a solid concept of what this request actually means. Transitioning from a “child” to an “adult” is one of the most timeless themes in human existence. Rights of adulthood exist in every civilization and culture, yet in our modern one we bestow the title of adult quite easily so those who receive it think themselves inherently changed on their 18th birthday. As we learn once we’re a bit older, this is far from the truth. You want me to treat you like you’re an adult? Very well, I will. I will hold you to a high level of integrity. I will expect you to treat others, and yourself, with respect. I will expect you to meet the standards of your team and counsel you when you don’t. I will expect you not to fall apart when being coached. I will treat you with compassion, candor, and honesty and expect the same in return. I will expect you to better yourself over time. I will expect you to understand that there are consequences for every action and that you are answerable to more than just yourself. I will expect you to care enough about your own welfare to lead yourself. I expect you to care about others enough to lead those you care about through difficult times. I say these things because I care about you. I care about you enough to tell you what the world probably won’t. If you want to be treated like an adult then you will be…with all the ups and downs. Welcome to the club. We have cookies…and booze.