Letters: Aug. 29, 2005

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What Does It Mean to Be 13? The special report from inside the mysterious and challenging world of the 13-year-old drew mail from young teenagers who were sometimes a bit skeptical but happy to have the attention and from parents who were relieved to learn that they could survive their children's teenage years after all

My daughter just entered her teens, a time I had been dreading. But after reading your articles on "Being 13" [Aug. 8], I realized I won't need to resort to medication to cope with the exciting changes that she will undergo over the next few years. Thanks!

JANE STEELE Winchester, Kentucky

TIME's special report provided great insight into the minds of young teenagers today. As an adult, I'm aware that many people argue that our teens are more troubled and troublemaking than when we were growing up. That argument is a poor excuse for our failure to meet children's needs. Kids' behavior is as much a response to adults' repugnance as a cause for it. Your stories portrayed teenagers as complex individuals who will live up to the expectations we set for them. Let's set them high.

JESSICA HERRMANN Chicago

My heart goes out to the younger generation now, who have to juggle so many different tasks. The future may not be as bright as 13-year-olds deserve, but I am optimistic that they will make it through O.K. Hats off to them!

MOZEENA BANO Fairfax, Va.

Being 13 really is not so easy anymore. I am close to 21, and I remember 13 as an age that was much simpler than it is today. We didn't have iPods, cell phones or other wireless devices. Kids grow up so fast now, and have become a lot more mature in this fast-paced, high-tech world. The first-person essays by the 13-year-olds you published were very impressive. They showed honesty, insight and a high level of writing. Those young authors had a personal story to tell and are trying to find and define themselves, just as we all are, even if we are way past the age of 13.

JESSICA MAN Boston

I appreciated reading young Duresny Nemorin's personal essay "Poetry Is What I Love." Thirteen-year-olds are the most exciting students to teach because they are so spontaneous and filled with curiosity about life. Writing a poem on the theme "Who Am I?" is an assignment I learned about at a convention of English teachers, and I have used it in classes ever since. It routinely produces the finest poetry of any I receive during the school year.

SHEILA BOERNER North Platte, Neb.

I was 13 only three years ago, and I know that is the age at which children are able to fashion themselves into the teenagers they have been waiting for years to become. Many of today's 13-year-olds believe they are mature enough for sexual relationships, dating and distancing themselves from their family. Their friends have a significant impact on the metamorphosis that goes on during those transition years. Many of the changes teenagers go through take place behind closed doors, and like it or not, parents aren't invited to the party. Although teens tend to withdraw from family at that time, it is very important that parents keep connected with them. Allowing young teens just to find their own way can be very dangerous.

KRISTIN S. TORRES Fresno, Calif.