People ages 18-21: Does your family treat you like a little kid?

Question

I've been 18 for a few months now, and my family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc) treat me like I'm 8. I'm not kidding.

Oh, people who are older (can answer this too), did your family treat you like a kid when you were my age?

It bothers me. :/ I've always been very mature for my age, I'm straight edge (no drinking, smoking, drugs or promiscuity), vegetarian, and I always try to do the right thing. I don't understand why they can't see me as a grown up. Is it because they've seen me when I was a baby?

Answer 1

Yes, it's completely normal. Your family loves you and you will always be like their baby. I am 21, married, done with school, have a job, and am due in a week to have my first kid and my family still treats me like a baby. I didn't fully realize why until I conceived. At one point, you were this special little growing baby inside of your mother, and she loved you more than anything... and that feeling from your family will never go away.

Answer 2

Yes yes yes, I have to actually tell them every time I make a decision that I am an adult and there opinion doesn't matter any more. At first it felt wrong because I was so used to following orders but boy does it feel good to read there faces when they realize that I'm free to do as I please and that they can't make up my mind for me.

Answer 3

well no... i have always been very mature for my age too. i moved out when i was 18 and have stayed out of my parents house since. i am 21 years old and i have a good job, i am going to school, and i pay my own bills. but my grandma still treats me like her little baby. which i do not mind at all because every now and then i need some attention like that. she sends me home with bags of food and calls me often. but my family is really really close to one another. i love it and would not change a thing!

Answer 4

Relax we where all there at one time. I am 40 now and my parents treated me like a kid at that age. . Here is why,,,,

they still don't want to let you go and acknowledge you are growing up and you have to prove your maturity to them. Young people are stereotyped because there ARE so many immatures out there. And because of that people tend to lump ALL young people into that stereotype.

Keep doing what you are doing  by making responsible decisions be patient and they will see.

Also dont let the steriotypes cause you to make imature decisions. Stay on the path your on and you will be and do great in life!

Answer 5

I didn't drink or smoke in high school and I was a virgin until I was 18 years old. My mom treated me like a baby, too... But I did give her a few reasons not to trust me. However, mature as I thought I was, and I was for my age, I look back now (at 21 years old) and realize that (even only three years ago) I had a lot to learn. Sorry for the parenthesis haha..

POINT BEING: Try not to take it too hard... You'll look back and see the reasons and whats more.. don't try to grow up to fast. In two years, you'll be a grown up with more bills and responsibilities that you problably think you have enough of now. Take it easy on your family, they just love ya. =]

Answer 6

oh yes my aunts and all the other treat me like I'm 4 or something.

Answer 7

Just relax i think every one is treated like that for years and even as i am 58 my mom still living treats me same way its normal and you just get over it and move on. its their mothering and you will someday understand what i mean.

Answer 8

it is because you ARE still a kid.  trust me in 10 years you will agree with me.

Answer 9

I come from a family that didnt give a s hit about me , be thankful !!

Answer 10

AM 18 N MY PARENTS DO THE SAME LIKE WHEN I WAS 16 LOL.

Answer 11

I get treated like my freaking 2 constantly, and its getting old FAST. I completely understand where your coming from. I guess in their minds were still their baby's and they can't seem to come to terms with us being grown ups now.

Answer 12

i understand, im 40 years old and my mom still treated me like a child up until she passed away in May.  Most of the time it was like i couldnt do anything rightbecause i didnt do it her way.  older people, especially family always think they are wiser because they are older, and alot of the time they are!  ahng in there.

Answer 13

no they treat me like an adult because they want me to get a job to help pay the bills

Answer 14

i'm 22, and my parents don't treat me like a baby, more like i'm still a teen, even if i give them no reason to do so. i'll just put up with their bad behavior until i move out

Answer 15

I'm older...so I have two things to say.

First...oh my gosh...when I was 18, my dad had me convinced that he would call the police if I ran away from home and they would put me in jail...I BELIEVED IT...geesh...

Second...As a parent of grown boys, it was very hard for me to take the apron strings off..parents just don't want to let go. They all want to believe that you are still under their wings and you can't think for yourself. The sad part about that is the fact that they are not helping you to be an independent thinking young lady. AND this is the most important thing you need to do, otherwise you may end up with a man who will control you, your thoughts, your actions and your whole being. If you cannot get the family to realize that you are a mature young person, then that's their problem. You continue to learn and grow and learn by yourself if necessary. Actions speak louder than words.....

Answer 16

Nope.  I'm 20 and I live on my own with my boyfriend.  Everyone is my family treats me like an adult.