The root of this eternal conflict - as this is what I believe it is, hence the frustrating, vicious cycle - is the time that overlaps between letting loose on the adult side, and the cry for freedom on the adolescent side.

Unfortunately maturing is a process that requires time, a fact of life that impatient youth rather does not care to accept easily. And transferring responsibility requires trust, which also does not come by the flick of a switch but has to be earned as much as respect. And adults tend to value them highly, possibly because it cost them so much.

Deleguation of authority and responsibility is too often seen as a loss - and the gaining of authority and responsibility is too often misunderstood as a gaining of power.

There may be ways too shorten the period between enlightened generations in an educated society - but the basic conflict will always be a negotiation of a contract of generations. If it results in a win-win situation the contract will work - if not, the contract will be torn to shreds by "lawyers".

In times of crisis it is of the utmost importance not to lose your head (Marie Antoinette)