I remeber reading an article, about a year ago, regarding the extended adolescence referred to in the clicky. The sociologists in that article felt that "adulthood" was generally reached at about age 36. They believed the reason it took so long to achieve adulthood - being fully responsible for one's actions and taking one's place in society - was because so many twenty-somethings had for so long lived a life of ease made possible by overly indulgent parents that they were loathe to move on. The article referred to middle- and upper-middle class US families. I won't argue whether the sociologists are right or wrong. I do know (and am amazed by) people who put themselves deep in debt to support well-educated, able-bodied children who are within hailing distance of 30, e.g., grown-up children playing while their parents slave away. That said, it's as important to maintain a sense of fun and delight as it is to shoulder responsibility. Balance is everything.