"A lot of the problems teenagers go through, it's better for them to go through them on their own. If you always have a crutch, you don't learn anything"

Navigating adolescence can be an incredibly challenging experience, filled with confusion, frustration, and emotional upheaval. Experiencing difficulties firsthand allows teenagers to develop resilience, independence, and self-awareness that cannot be cultivated through constant intervention. Unpleasant as it may be to watch young people struggle, these experiences serve as invaluable lessons, providing an opportunity for deeper personal growth than any guidance or support system could impart alone.

Relying too heavily on external support, what Ben Savage refers to metaphorically as a "crutch", can inadvertently hinder the learning process. If a young person never faces challenges independently, they may become dependent on others to solve problems, lacking confidence in their own judgment and problem-solving abilities. Over time, this dependence can limit their emotional and psychological growth, making it difficult to confront more complex issues later in life without assistance.

Self-reliance is forged through adversity. Each obstacle a teenager navigates on their own becomes a building block for future resilience and maturity. By struggling and sometimes failing, young people learn to evaluate situations, take responsibility, and recover from setbacks. These experiences shape their character and decision-making skills, fostering a sense of autonomy and accomplishment that cannot be reproduced through second-hand experience or advice.

Though support from parents, friends, and mentors is fundamental and sometimes necessary, there are moments when stepping back allows teenagers the space to truly learn. The absence of a safety net can be uncomfortable, but it often forces individuals to dig deep and discover inner resources they might not have known they possessed. Ultimately, the ability to overcome hardships independently creates a foundation for confidence and self-sufficiency. The protective instinct to shield teenagers from pain is understandable, but allowing them the opportunity to face and solve their own problems is one of the most powerful gifts an adult can offer, equipping them with the tools they will need for a lifetime.