If our various child parts are not fully integrated into our adult self, we're likely at times to feel like a child inside an adult's body. We won't be able to feel truly grown up because our basic sense of self hasn't sufficiently evolved into the actual adult we've become.
There are many reasons why young adults might feel like they're still kids inside. Childhood trauma or a mental health condition could be a factor. A mental health assessment will help identify possible underlying issues.
Why do I still feel like a child when I'm a teenager? Psychologically and physically your brain does not reach adult maturity until the age of 25. So it is perfectly normal for you to still feel childish. Don't worry about it and enjoy youth.
Age regression is a temporary or long-term reversal of behavior to earlier states of development. It is normal and expected in children but does occur in adulthood as well. People sometimes revert to childlike behavior to cope with trauma, stress, severe illness, or mental health disorders.
12-Year-Old Emotional and Social Milestones
Twelve-year-olds love their parents but want nothing to do with them, and friends become more important than ever. Around now, your child will begin to explore their sense of personal identity.
Many possible reasons point to why you might be holding onto immature behaviors, including being rewarded for being immature, being surrounded by other not-so-mature people, having an abusive upbringing, or not having mature role models while growing up, says clinical psychologist John E.
Regression: A popular but frequently forgotten defense mechanism is a regression. When things get too difficult and a person feels vulnerable, defense mechanisms kick in as a way of self-preservation. Regression is a return to childlike behavior as a way to avoid adult-like reality and responsibility.
Immature personality disorder (IPD) was a type of personality disorder diagnosis. It is characterized by lack of emotional development, low tolerance of stress and anxiety, inability to accept personal responsibility, and reliance on age-inappropriate defense mechanisms.
Although the term “youngest child syndrome” persists, it is not a medical or psychological disorder. There is no official diagnosis and no clinical definition for this syndrome. However, some of the traits associated with this birth order position include spoiled, free-spirited, and persistent.
Teens might have slower growth if they: don't get enough protein, calories, and other nutrients in their diet. have a long-lasting (chronic) medical condition, such as problems with the kidneys, heart, lungs, and intestines. have sickle cell anemia.
Being 16 is not easy for teens—or for parents or caregivers. But you can make this time period in their life smoother by keeping the lines of communication open as well as educating them about the challenges they may be dealing with.
When trauma impairs your ability to develop full emotional maturity, this is known as arrested psychological development. Trauma can “freeze” your emotional response at the age you experienced it. When you feel or act emotionally younger than your actual age, this is known as age regression.
A person becomes a teenager when they become 13 years old. It ends when they become 20 years old. Teenagers who are between 13 and 17 years old are considered both children and teenagers in most countries. Teenagers who are 18 and 19 years old may be regarded as both teenagers and adults.
Being a pleasant, helpful, good person to have around is a commendable way to live. At the extreme, however, "good children" in an adult world can drain energy out of others and be difficult to live and work with in the following ways: They do not give you useful feedback.
Overall, it can be said that ADHD children were found to be more emotionally immature and poorly adjusted on almost all the dimensions studied.
Impulsivity: High intelligence is closely associated with Impulsive behavior which appears childish to some. Children tend to be impulsive and go after things they desire. If you see this in adults, you might consider the adult to be childish.
Acting immature can be a sign that kids are struggling and need more support. Hyperactivity, trouble with focus, and not getting enough sleep can be factors. Connect with other adults to find out what they've noticed, and work together to help kids develop skills.
Sometimes, what looks like immaturity may have a different cause. Early signs of ADHD, some learning disabilities, anxiety, and autism can be mistaken for immaturity. Behaviors that seem extreme, or that don't fade over time, mean it's time to talk to your child's pediatrician or a clinician.
People with wounded inner children can often experience persistent and chronic feelings of emptiness, helplessness and hopelessness. They might feel that they are existing as a false self and that their life lacks a sense of aliveness or spontaneity. They might also feel deeply disconnected from others.
Inner child wounds, or attachment wounds, can occur when there is either a traumatic event or chronic rupture without repair. For children, a rupture without repair can look like crying out for help but being unheard by an emotionally unavailable caretaker.
But, psychologically speaking, this is not adulthood. True adulthood hinges on acknowledging, accepting, and taking responsibility for loving and parenting one's own inner child. For most adults, this never happens.