This phrase could be an indicator that you had to grow up too quickly.
Case in point: Its fairly common for adults to tell well-behaved children theyre mature for their age.
But despite that intention, it does have the potential to be damaging.
For some kids, being told theyre mature for their age ends there.
Theres nothing more to it it doesnt manifest in distressing ways or follow them into adulthood.
But for others, it could signal that something potentially damaging was going on.
It could mean you had to grow up quickly.
In other words, they werent mature for their age by choice, Lancioni said.
It could also mean you werent fully able to be a kid.
Theres this pressure to really have it together all the time.
Children who are mature for their age are often seen as reliable by adults.
But for better or worse, its likely that the grown-ups in your life viewed you as dependable.
In adulthood, it can lead to people-pleasing, poor boundaries and difficulty asking for help.
The pressure associated with being told youre mature for your age doesnt necessarily end in childhood.
You might find it hard to ask for help even when you need it.
You might have more experiences with mental health struggles.
Additionally, you may struggle with anxiety andpeople-pleasingbehaviors, William said.
In adulthood, its important that you take care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Everyone needs and deserves that individualized care.
Instead of simply telling a child theyre mature for their age, comment on specific behaviors.
attempt to skip this phrase, even if its coming from a good place.
Maturity isnt necessarily a compliment, because it could… definitely be something deeper, Lancioni said.
The truth is that kids and children shouldnt have to be mature, Lancioni said.
They should be able to act and behave however old their age is.
Is it therefore causing you to put more responsibility on them than is developmentally appropriate?
