Regardless of what we may think, in the end, it is our kids who hold all the power.  They are the ones who (sooner than we think) will start taking over and running things in this fast paced, high tech digital world we live in.  I was reminded of this in the presentation below by 12 year old writer and speaker, Adora Svitak, from this year’s TED Conference.  (NOTE: As I have mentioned here and here before, I love the intelligent, insightful and inspiring videos from the TED conference.  I try to watch one a day and always discover something thought provoking and relevant.  If you haven’t been watching TED videos, you really should!)

Precocious, Cute or Both?

Adora talks about how adults should treat kids with respect, and I was reminded of the wonderful tribute to John Hughes at the Oscars this year, where a long since grown-up Macaulay Culkin warmly mentioned how, even though he was only 9 at the time, the talented filmmaker Hughes always treated the young Culkin with respect. Good thoughts and good advice from both young actor and younger TEDster.

What do you think about Adora’s speech?  Is she just a precocious little brainiac, or does she make some good points worth considering, even by us adults?  Please watch and then share your thoughts in the comments. Respectfully, of course…

Jeff Sass is the proud dad of ZEO (Zach, 21, Ethan, 19 and Olivia, 18).  He is also a seasoned entertainment and technology exec and active social media enthusiast.  You can see more of Jeff’s writing at Sassholes!and Social Networking Rehab and you can listen to Jeff on the Cast of Dads podcast.