Parenting - What is it, really?

According to Wikipedia, parenting is the process of raising and educating a child from birth until adulthood. Does that make sense?

The birth part is pretty clear. Everyone knows when that happens (except the baby, who’s just completely freaked out from all the bright lights and cold air).

Adulthood? Now there’s a mystery. Who can say when a child actually becomes an adult? Its certainly not about age…

Is a child an adult when they graduate high school? College? Does adulthood start when a child has to pay for their own food and shelter? Is adulthood dependent on life circumstances, meaning is a 17-year-old single Mom an adult?

And what about AFTER whichever milestone you choose… Does parenting end?

More thoughts later.