Who’s received it higher in life, children or adults? A bunch of fourth-graders in New Jersey did some severe reporting on this subject and despatched us their findings as part of NPR’s Pupil Podcast Problem.
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
So who’s received it higher in life? Youngsters or grown-ups? On one hand, you’ve got received homework. Then again, mortgages. It is robust. A bunch of fourth-graders in Closter, New Jersey, did some severe reporting on this subject, questions like, who actually has extra freedom? Is it unhealthy to have so many tasks? They despatched us their findings as a part of NPR’s Pupil Podcast Problem.
(SOUNDBITE OF PODCAST, “KIDS VS. ADULTS”)
ELLA ELRAVIV, EMMA AND EMMY: Adults versus children.
ELLA ELRAVIV: In the present day, we’re going to interview 4 particular company. I am Ella.
EMMA: I am Emma.
EMMY: And I am Emmy.
ELLA: First, Ashley from Mexico.
ASHLEY EDWARDS: Hello, I am Ashley.
EMMY: And so they’re representing adults. For teenagers, now we have Ella.
ELLA: And hello, I am Ella.
EMMA: Let’s get straight into it. Why do you suppose your aspect is healthier? Adults?
EDWARDS: I appreciated life as a baby, however I feel I might moderately have life as an grownup as a result of I’ve extra freedom. Clearly, I’ve to point out as much as work, and I’ve to do my job and do varied issues like that and ensure my payments are paid on time. But when I need to go into New York Metropolis on the weekend, I’m completely free to try this. I am not certain by anybody else’s schedule like I used to be a baby.
EMMY: Thanks for sharing. Now, children.
ELLA: OK, I feel it is higher to be a child as a result of while you’re an grownup, it’s a must to fear about taxes and your bank card and, like, financial institution accounts. However while you’re a child, your mother and father are going to purchase all the pieces for you. And you are able to do no matter you need as a child.
EMMA: Why do you suppose the opposing aspect is healthier?
ELLA: I might like to be an grownup. Keep up late, binge-watching exhibits? Like, a lot enjoyable. Consuming Oreos for dinner? My God, who would not need to do this? However I do love being a child, however I might actually need to be an grownup.
EMMY: Adults now, your flip.
EDWARDS: I truly suppose kids have extra enjoyable lives as a result of no person seems at you sideways while you take your Construct-A-Bear out in public.
(LAUGHTER)
EMMY: OK (ph).
EDWARDS: I actually want I simply had time in the course of the day the place I may take a nap. Being an grownup means there’s a variety of tasks that take a variety of time, and typically I need to vibe. I need to chill, and that is – typically grownup tasks get in the best way of that.
EMMA: Thanks a lot, Ashley. Subsequent query – who’s extra accountable? Adults could go first.
EDWARDS: Pay attention, I do know some actually accountable kids, however I additionally know some actually irresponsible adults. I feel duty is one thing you be taught as you become older. However like I mentioned, there are some actually accountable kids and a few actually irresponsible adults. So I will give it 50/50. I feel we each win that one.
EMMY: All proper. Ella?
ELLA: I might need to agree with Ashley. I do suppose may be accountable, however I feel adults are extra accountable after they’re, like, extra accountable.
EMMY: Thanks for being right here and speaking and answering all of the questions. And thanks for listening to our podcast. We actually loved having you.
ELLA, EMMA AND EMMY: Bye.
DETROW: That was an excerpt from “Youngsters vs. Adults” by Emma Chayon, Emma Perez and Ella Elraviv. They’re college students on the Acton Academy of Bergen County in Closter, New Jersey. Their podcast was one of many fourth grade winners of the 2025 NPR Pupil Podcast Problem. This yr’s contest for college students in grades 4 via 12 is now open for entries.
(SOUNDBITE OF DJ JAZZY JEFF AND THE FRESH PRINCE SONG, “PARENTS JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND”)
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