How long should “childhood” last?

As a child, we live mostly to emulate what we see. Children have no real understanding of “swagger” or having a “cool” walk, or wearing clothes, in a cool way. Those Nike tennis shoes they’re wearing, the ones mom/dad paid a small fortune for, do they even care that it says, Nike? Now I know some of you are saying, “my son cares what he wears, my daughter knows what a “pretty” gown looks like” I’m sure they do! after hours, weeks, years of television, social media, you as parents! and YouTube all cramming and programming into there developing young minds, what there likes should and shouldn’t be. Should we step in and assist with growth and development? YES!, we absolutely should. But we shouldn’t confuse teaching a child proper mannerisms and proper etiquette with traditional customs. Especially when those customs are reminding them that monetary value makes them valuable. If we are not careful we may leave little to no room for self-expression and individuality. Only producing organic robots. I’m just asking, PLEASE let them be innocent, if only for a second longer. Before this cruel, capitalistic world swallows them up and spits them out!

Now for those of you who are saying, it is far better to equip them with the tools they need to face this world. This is for you, As a child, we live mostly to emulate what we see. There minds being like clay, designed and ready for molding and shaping. So in a capitalistic world such as this, we should prepare our young, not disillusion them with fairytale thinking or otherwise. Capitalisms only response to innocence is abuse and “taken advantage of” So being underprepared, only invites failure. Even though their child hood may be short-lived, their adulthood will blossom as a result. All because you instilled in them what was necessary to survive the coldness of this world. And perhaps one day they may thank you for it. A great man once said we make sacrifices, not only for the generation we currently live in. But for the next generation. That they may prosper in ways that we could not. So your Childs childhood may be the sacrifice that is needed. Thank you