[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”post_content” 4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] An Australian psychologist has warned parents to be wary if their children start acting "too mature for their age".
Briony Leo from Melbourne, Australia, argues that this behavior in children can be an indicator of external pressure influencing their behavior. However, such behavior is not always a warning sign.
Brioni says that in most cases, if your kids are more mature than other kids, you shouldn't worry. It claims that factors such as personality, birth order and cognitive abilities are taken into account.
But overmaturity can be a warning sign if a child worries too much about practical things or takes on too much responsibility, writes The Sun.
"It could mean that they became 'parentified' and had to take on responsibilities at a young age because their parents couldn't do it," she says.
Brioni explained that children can become "parentified" if the adults in their lives can't handle their responsibilities due to mental or physical illness, addiction or personality problems. However, she said some children will do this regardless of parental behavior, explaining that such children can be sensitive to the environment around them.
Namely, children can thus respond to environmental stressors by worrying and trying to manage a situation that is beyond their control.
How does this affect the child?
Brioni said that in later life, some problems can arise in children who behaved excessively maturely in childhood.
The psychologist explained that it is therefore important for parents to be open and transparent with the child's emotional reactions and to teach them how to deal with different situations.
"Make sure that your child has the opportunity to share with you in a safe way how he feels, what he worries about, what is happening to him. This could mean talking about your day before you go to bed or having such conversations in the car on the way home from school," she suggested.
She explained that these simple steps will ensure parents are aware of any changes that may occur and thus avoid confusing or traumatic experiences.
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Briony Leo from Melbourne, Australia, argues that this behavior in children can be an indicator of external pressure influencing their behavior. However, such behavior is not always a warning sign.
Brioni says that in most cases, if your kids are more mature than other kids, you shouldn't worry. It claims that factors such as personality, birth order and cognitive abilities are taken into account.
But overmaturity can be a warning sign if a child worries too much about practical things or takes on too much responsibility, writes The Sun.
"It could mean that they became 'parentified' and had to take on responsibilities at a young age because their parents couldn't do it," she says.
Brioni explained that children can become "parentified" if the adults in their lives can't handle their responsibilities due to mental or physical illness, addiction or personality problems. However, she said some children will do this regardless of parental behavior, explaining that such children can be sensitive to the environment around them.
Namely, children can thus respond to environmental stressors by worrying and trying to manage a situation that is beyond their control.
How does this affect the child?
Brioni said that in later life, some problems can arise in children who behaved excessively maturely in childhood.
The psychologist explained that it is therefore important for parents to be open and transparent with the child's emotional reactions and to teach them how to deal with different situations.
"Make sure that your child has the opportunity to share with you in a safe way how he feels, what he worries about, what is happening to him. This could mean talking about your day before you go to bed or having such conversations in the car on the way home from school," she suggested.
She explained that these simple steps will ensure parents are aware of any changes that may occur and thus avoid confusing or traumatic experiences.
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