Maggie Wellman

Shirley makes an appointment with Dr. Beecher, the school psychologist, who informs her that Danny's behavior in class is quite disruptive. In order to find out what is bothering him, Dr. Beecher suggests that Shirley be very permissive with her son and watch closely how he handles his freedom. At home, Danny quickly takes advantage of Shirley's mysterious change of attitude. He is permitted to stay up late to watch the talk shows on TV, stay home from school, and force Keith's and Laurie's friends to focus their attention on him. Shirley returns to Dr. Beecher in desperation, for the other kids feel very hostile toward Danny. The doctor realizes that Danny badly wants to identify with the "big kids" -- Laurie and Keith. To try to cure him of this, she suggests giving Danny all the responsibilities that go along with being an adult. It takes going on a double date with Keith to erase all thoughts of being grown-up from Danny's mind. While Keith and his date sit around talking and making eyes at each other, what Danny and his friend Gloria really want to do is climb trees and run races. The two younger kids are finally so bored that this is exactly what they do...even though it isn't "mature." At this point Danny realizes that he wants to hang on to his youth a little longer.