Why am I so childish?

Question

I am a 23 year old guy, and I live my life a lot like a child. I play with toys, dress like a kid, watch lots of cartoons (even on toddler channels like Disney Junior), play video games, go to toy stores (I even work at one), chase the ice cream truck, pull jokes and pranks, and play on park playgrounds. The only “adult” things I do are work (currently at a toy store, but I hope to become a preschool/kindergarten teacher, or at least a classroom helper in the future) and take care of chores. Ironically, when I was a kid, I hated being a kid. I was the most mature kid in school, and I was in a big rush to grow up. It wasn’t until my freshman year in high school that I became so childish. It’s weird how everyone else my age has passed me up and is working on their careers and all while I’m “stuck in kindergarten.” Sorry, but I wouldn’t be able to stand having a more serious adult job, and don’t offer me a cup of coffee, because I hate coffee! I have been judged several times for being this way, but my family thinks I’m awesome. Even the other kids/parents at the playgrounds seem to enjoy me there. I don’t know why I’m this way, but I don’t mind it at all, in fact, I love living this way, and I don’t want to change. I read online that many other people like this were abused as a children (which I actually was, but I’m not sure if that’s why I’m like this).

Moonstone · Answer

I'm not an adult yet, but we're quite similar. I'm considered extremely mature for my age by practically everyone around me (though this is a result of abuse when I was younger, backing up your claim), so now, at 15, despite still making good choices for myself and staying mature, I enjoy many "childish" things.

Your brain has to mature faster when your in an abusive situation, because it cannot afford to doze off or play around too much. That's why, when you're out of that situation, your brain seeks escapism however it can and you actively crave things that are considered childish. It's also why people with PTSD dream more vividly, since REM sleep heals you psychologically (though a negative affect is that people with PTSD from this abuse tend to have nightmares which has the opposite effect).

It's completely normal, and it isn't bad. Just enjoy yourself- if it isn't hurting anyone and you're taking care of yourself, then you can like whatever you want. People who are abused often get along better with older kids or (once they're older) do well with young children because they can better channel their inner child, as well as sympathize easier. You just seem like a pleasant person to be around in general- being childish for liking certain things is fine.

Anna · Answer

You don't need to change, at least you have a job so what if you enjoy doing kid things. I hate coffee just like you (although I do like tea). Seems harsh for others to judge you, especially if you were abused as a child.

LizB · Answer

Are you paying your bills and your taxes, keeping your household relatively clean, and otherwise managing to meet most basic adult responsibilities? If so, then you're not childish, you simply have youthful interests. There's nothing wrong with that. It only becomes problematic when a "childish" person continues to behave immaturely in an effort to avoid adult responsibility. If you *know* how to behave and conduct your life like a grown-up but *prefer* the simpler joys of youthful things and interacting with children, then you are a rare and beautiful soul and the world needs more like you! Some people just have a gift of being able to connect with kids on their level, and if someday you make a job out of it, I think that's wonderful. My own kids' schools have had a few male teachers in early education, and I love it.

linkus86 · Answer

Because the people you choose to be with find it acceptable and do not demand you act any other way.  When the circumstances, or your desires change, so will you.

Mike · Answer

U good mature people are weird

Why am I so childish?

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