Like our parents’ always reminded us, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” But change itself is what makes things different.

While those of us who are no longer young find persistent novelty and presumed improvement disconcerting, our youth enjoy it. They like stuff that is faster and more impactful and they like multiple options. They like endless cereal choices, endless television channels, and multiple options between smaller and smaller or bigger and bigger. They like complexities. They don’t miss plainer, slower, quieter and simpler choices.

There is no value judgment to be made regarding change. It will continue to happen whether we want it to or not. But change needs to be recognized as a force. In particular we need to respect that new stuff presents new experiences and demands both new decision making and new learning. Thus, as parents, teachers, friends and counselors we need to know that change can be overwhelming, and we should not take it for granted or expect others to deal with it alone.