Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time with two interesting and quite different French teenagers, both of whom are at the very particular age of 14. I have known Mateo, above, for a few years now as he the son of one of Remi’s closest friends. Each time that they come down to Provence for a visit, I see Mat’s mind opening with leaps and bounds. He is already a consummate Parisian with impeccable manners, his own “look” and a wide grasp of current culture. He is a willing conversationalist with very specific points of view, including a strong argument that his particular generation is not as deeply impacted by the violence present in video games as we adults might think.
One of the highlights of Mat and his Dad’s visit this summer was a picnic held at our secret church. The day was blistering but that didn’t prevent us from having a wonderful time. It says a lot about Mat that he is not the kind of ado that will whine about being bored, he takes his time into his own hands. So while we chattered on and on, he asked if he could borrow my camera and went on a photo hunt. Below are two that he took, which I wanted to share as it was lovely to discover where his eye roamed.
Unfortunately, Mat headed back up north the day before Loïc’s arrival, so they weren’t able to meet.
Also from la région parisienne, Loïc was vacationing en famille with an old friend of ours. He is quiet and discreet, yet I was quickly impressed by his attentiveness towards his younger Sister, Julie as well as his lack of hesitation in asking questions on subjects that were new to him. I also could call him “The Dog Whisperer” for his excellent connection with animals. Ben was certainly completely charmed by him, answered his call and followed him wherever he went.
Perhaps because Remi and I don’t have children ourselves, I find such meetings edifying, a means to touch base with a youth that is quite different from what I experienced. Of course, some aspects are not surprising–Mat and Loïc both have an ease regarding their near constant connection with the virtual world, one which they can take or leave unobtrusively, without any show or pretension. But what marked me the most was how serious they both are about their futures. Yes, at 14. Both admitted that due to the fact that we are in such shaky times financially, they will need to have specific career plans and have already taken solid steps in moving towards their perspective choices. Impressive, isn’t it? I sincerely hope that both of them have bright futures ahead.
So, any thoughts from my friends around the world about our youth today?
My daughter is the same age, and I see many of the same qualities in her and her friends. Thoughtful, concerned for the future (it never would have occurred to me at age 14 that I might live in an economy where I couldn't get a job), heading toward growing up, but still with a sense of fun.
Wonderful and touching in many ways post. Being around kids of this age is very invigorating. They are touching the ground and spreading the wings at the same time. The most difficult and the most rewarding time together. Wise, inspiring parenting while learning along the way is a mission in progress. I'll be wondering forever how different siblings could be. My boys 20 and 11, one bright, practical and grounded the junior is a dreamer, open hearted. I see their friends, our friends kids. It's normal now to mature faster, they are born with pixels. By 14-15 most kids have a part time small jobs regardless of financial situation in family.
We were idealists, heads in the clouds. Dreams and reality rarely got along. We set goals.
With virtual reality it's different now. Kids are learning to easy mix these realities. The best ones like your young friends Heather know how to use this advantage. Bravo to their parents!
Beautiful,so European to me.As I recall the youth there was so much more grown up then over here!I have two boys 22 and 24…………….I'm still waiting for their career choice!One has long hair and one has short hair.One lives in Northern California while the other lives down South………….compelety different in thinking and doing.Good to know these FRENCH BOYS are already thinking!Bravo to their parents……………perhaps they had just a little something to do with how these BOYS turned out!COMPLIMENTS from the UNITED STATES!
Hello Heather
Mateo and Loic sound like they are both very good company. Both are very handsome too.
Their parents have done a wonderful job in bringing them up to be comfortable with adults and to be able to converse to all ages and animals. I am confident the world will be just fine when this age group takes over.
Thanks for sharing this uplifting story
Helenxx
I loved this post! It's always encouraging to hear something GOOD about today's youth! I have a son that is 18 and he is so wise and I have to remind myself that I can trust him…and to not worry so much about him. So far he has made wise choices and I pray that he will continue to do so! Both of these boys are so handsome and seem to have a great head on their shoulders! Glad you got to spend quality time with them!
Simply thoughtful and touching! Not to mention how you captured the moments with your camera!
Love it!
amicalement, k
I really do. I could tell that both Mat and Loïc seemed happy to talk to me just as the 'persons in forming' that they are. They both were smart and thoughtful so I treated them as such, which was great because I learned more about them.
Thanks for this comment, Judith. Unexpected and thought-provoking.
Bisous à toi,
H.
Heather,
Beautiful portraits by you and photos by Mateo! I find today's youth to be most thoughtful and these two are prime examples. It is also great for kids to spend time with non-parental types. Adults without their own kids are more likely to see and accept kids just as they are without comparisons, judgment or expectations — there's no "mommy" filter to turn off. Do you know what I mean?
That is exactly what struck me as well, Loree. Hope that you have had a break from the heat!
Well, I certainly couldn't have asked for a more cosmopolitan point of view than this BLW!! And for sure, I met both of these kids in front of their parents. 🙂 But they seem as I have already said, very grounded.