"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." 

In the history of mankind, the concept of what constituted a childhood has been different depending on the culture and time period.  In ancient times, it was common for young children to be found working in the same positions as adults, or training for war.  

Young girls could often find themselves married off to men many years older than them, and bearing children shortly thereafter.  This was not always common-place, but it was something that existed even only a hundred years ago in some "modern" cultures.

As a teacher, I have heard students speak of how they are losing their childhood because of all the work that is heaped upon them in school or life in general. "I want to be a ___________ year old, hang with friends, not do essays all day."

So the question comes to mind;  What is considered a childhood, and are we driving it away with modern demands?  Or, on the opposite side of things; Are we merely expecting young adults to "throw away childish things."?

In some ways, this is a re-imagining of a previous prompt from the beginning of the year.  Take a look back at your previous thoughts on Homework, or demands of community service, and consider it as you write this.