SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
So who's got it better in life? Kids or grown-ups? On one hand, you've got homework. On the other hand, mortgages. It's tough. A group of fourth-graders in Closter, New Jersey, did some serious reporting on this topic, looking at questions like, who really has more freedom? Is it bad to have so many responsibilities? They sent us their findings as part of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge.
(SOUNDBITE OF PODCAST, "KIDS VS. ADULTS")
ELLA ELRAVIV, EMMA AND EMMY: Adults versus kids.
ELLA ELRAVIV: Today, we are going to interview four special guests. I'm Ella.
EMMA: I'm Emma.
EMMY: And I'm Emmy.
ELLA: First, Ashley from Mexico.
ASHLEY EDWARDS: Hi, I'm Ashley.
EMMY: And they're representing adults. For kids, we have Ella.
ELLA: And hi, I'm Ella.
EMMA: Let's get straight into it. Why do you think your side is better? Adults?
EDWARDS: I liked life as a child, but I think I would rather have life as an adult because I have more freedom. Obviously, I have to show up to work, and I have to do my job and do various things like that and make sure my bills are paid on time. But if I want to go into New York City on the weekend, I am totally free to do that. I'm not bound by anyone else's schedule like I was a child.
EMMY: Thank you for sharing. Now, kids.
ELLA: OK, I think it's better to be a kid because when you're an adult, you have to worry about taxes and your credit card and, like, bank accounts. But when you're a kid, your parents are going to buy everything for you. And you can do whatever you want as a kid.
EMMA: Why do you think the opposing side is better?
ELLA: I'd love to be an adult. Stay up late, binge-watching shows? Like, so much fun. Eating Oreos for dinner? My God, who wouldn't want to do that? But I do love being a kid, but I would really want to be an adult.
EMMY: Adults now, your turn.
EDWARDS: I actually think children have more fun lives because nobody looks at you sideways when you take your Build-A-Bear out in public.
(LAUGHTER)
EMMY: OK (ph).
EDWARDS: I really wish I just had time in the middle of the day where I could take a nap. Being an adult means there's a lot of responsibilities that take a lot of time, and sometimes I want to vibe. I want to chill, and that's - sometimes adult responsibilities get in the way of that.
EMMA: Thank you so much, Ashley. Next question - who is more responsible? Adults may go first.
EDWARDS: Listen, I know some really responsible children, but I also know some really irresponsible adults. I think responsibility is something you learn as you get older. But like I said, there are some really responsible children and some really irresponsible adults. So I'm going to give it 50/50. I think we both win that one.
EMMY: All right. Ella?
ELLA: I'd have to agree with Ashley. I do think can be responsible, but I think adults are more responsible when they're, like, more responsible.
EMMY: Thank you for being here and talking and answering all the questions. And thank you for listening to our podcast. We really enjoyed having you.
ELLA, EMMA AND EMMY: Bye.
DETROW: That was an excerpt from "Kids vs. Adults" by Emma Chayon, Emma Perez and Ella Elraviv. They are students at the Acton Academy of Bergen County in Closter, New Jersey. Their podcast was one of the fourth grade winners of the 2025 NPR Student Podcast Challenge. This year's contest for students in grades four through 12 is now open for entries.
(SOUNDBITE OF DJ JAZZY JEFF AND THE FRESH PRINCE SONG, "PARENTS JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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