> There's no time left any more to be a kid.

I have several hobbies that are popular with kids (mountain biking, rock climbing, and some others).

I can assure you that there are plenty of kids with more time than I have to dedicate to these hobbies at every popular spot I go to. Many of them are ambitious, smart, and working toward top universities, too. It’s actually fun energy to be around.

The parent comment about students getting up at 6:30AM and working 15 hour days is highly unusual.

16 year olds aren’t kids. My dad was in boarding school in bangladesh at that age working 16 hour days (which is why I don’t have to live there).

Your comment specifically compared it to the normal adult, my point is the normal adult who is a parent is very likely doing even more than your example of your kid. Even for adults who aren't in the elite high earner category, heck people who make less money are likely working even more hours per day just to make ends meet.

Absolutely. I think some degree of competitive attitude should be developed, but admissions since the late 2000s have become hyper-competitive.

Pressure makes diamonds, but it also crushes everything else.