The article examines trends in theoretical and applied concepts about the adolescent period and in particular about how adolescents develop life goals. We discuss the blurring of the boundaries of adolescence, the postponement of life decisions, and the difficult process of separating from parents as trends in modern adolescent life. Certain features of modern society (transitivity and its consequences) complicate the ability of adolescents to plan their lives and lead them to apply tactical thinking to their lives as opposed to strategic thinking. We examine the role that the family and in particular the culture of discussing the future can play in helping adolescents plan their lives. [This article was translated by Kenneth Cargill.]