We live in an age where lots of people do insane things. But since everyone is doing it, it appears normal.
It's agreed-upon insanity.
We know that children need about 9-10 hours of sleep per night. But we let them go with 6 or 7 because the day is taken up with so many other activities. Why so many activities? We're not sure.
When high schoolers graduate and don't know what they want to do for a career, they go to college anyway. They attend a school that costs tens of thousands of dollars a year for an "undeclared" major.
Meaning, they want to get started, but they don't know what they want to do yet. Nor do they know if the college they've started classes in will be the best fit for that major whenever they find it.
Students also take out hundreds of thousands of dollars of loans starting at the age of 18 with no job or plan for paying it back.
Something that would never fly with a traditional loan.
But kids do this for college every year, with parents' encouragement.
Often when we make the sane choice, the world we live in while think we're insane. It's all relative.
When in doubt, let common sense be your compass, and forget everyone else.

Another terrific post. I agree with you so entirely. I’ve been a private piano teacher for over fifty years. I’ve seen and remarked upon the stress levels of these students. Your voice is valuable.
Thank you, Sarah! The more we can talk about it openly with our students and encourage them to find a better path, the better.