My assumption would be those older kids could have just graduated high school and are a week or 2 away from starting college, or be underclassmen in college. They also could have recently completed internships for this summer (I know in my office the interns finished last week). Maybe they were chaperoning there younger siblings/friends/neighbors to the bus stop. Making assumptions on their job situation could be premature.
That said, there has been a culture of complacency growing within the youth. My initial thought is that college is not nearly structured enough. Students go to class for 10-15 hours per week, with the rest of their time open at their disposal. I've always believed that greater structure can motivate students, as they may realize achievements they didn't think they were capable of. Instead, college fosters laziness (aka complacency), students become devoid of ambition, and thus place the burden on others.
In terms of young buyers within the real estate market, the only skill really needed is saving money. Do you think young Americans 18-25 are good savers?