Translate: It is bad enough that today's teens don't have real childhoods. They aren't allowed to go off on their own until at least the sixth grade. Unlike members of my generation, they can't jump on a bike, call on a friend, or just daydream. Instead, they have lessons, coaching, practice times and organized sports. While other parents became anxious if their children weren't "doing" something, I encouraged my daughter to do nothing once in a while, even if I had to "fit" it into her schedule.