Many people worry that they’re too childish and not mature enough for their age. Sometimes it’s a legitimate concern, sometimes it just means they have a different approach to life.
Am I Childish?
Has anyone ever told you that you don’t act your age? Depending on the context, they meant it as an insult or a compliment; while being childish implies immaturity, childlike qualities are desirable. You might relate to the following traits:
1. A positive outlook on life
Children are natural optimists because they don’t learn enough from bad outcomes.
Why it’s a good thing
Even though a positive attitude can annoy those who are pessimists, you should be proud of it. Looking on the bright side of things is associated with higher resistance to stress and better health.
Why it can be a bad thing
Some highly optimistic people tend not to take things seriously even when they should.
2. Following your heart
Children view the world through a different lens; they don’t worry about the future and live in the moment. If you’ve been called childish before, it might mean that you listen to your heart instead of your head when making important decisions.
Why it’s a good thing
This might be seen as foolish by other people but it takes guts to pursue your dreams and sometimes taking a risk is what you need to set things in motion.
Why it can be a bad thing
It’s great if you’re focused on the present and able to appreciate the moment but a responsible adult makes sure they also secure their future.
3. Not caring what others think of you
A child’s brain isn’t fully developed which makes them more carefree and less self-conscious than adults.
Why it’s a good thing
People who don’t care about others’ opinions are free souls that bring joy to themselves and others. Life would be boring if everyone acted predictably all the time. If you spontaneously start dancing when you hear your favourite song, only negative people will have something bad to say about it. Others will envy you the confidence.
Why it can be a bad thing
it’s important to remember that there’s a time and place for everything and sometimes acting spontaneously can be inappropriate.
So Is Being Childish a Bad Thing?
It’s normal for adults to like things that children typically enjoy, such as watching cartoons or colouring. However, engaging in childish activities can sometimes be a warning sign. Some people revert to comforting behaviours and enter a childlike mental state as a way of dealing with trauma. This is called age regression and might become an unhealthy coping mechanism.
Being childish can also be seen as a negative trait because children don’t have the self-awareness to function well in society just yet. When people call someone childish they often refer to their inability to navigate relationships. A childish person avoids conflict and difficult conversations, doesn’t own up to their mistakes, has commitment issues and might throw a tantrum when things don’t go their way.
Ultimately, being childish is only a bad thing if it negatively affects your life. If you ask yourself, ‘Am I childish?’ over and over again just because someone pointed it out and not because you’re concerned about your behaviour, you probably have nothing to worry about. But if the way you are makes it impossible for you to maintain relationships and achieve your goals, it won’t hurt to work on yourself.
