At many times, a child may be called “mature” or “grown up.” Now, of course the speaker did not actually mean that the child was physically mature or a grown adult. They were simply commenting on how appropriate or polite the kid was being. Maturity is not based solely on age, height, or how much hair someone has under their arm; It is determined by the actions they are displaying and the experiences of their past.
Actions are a more accurate way to measure maturity than age. In the novel “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo was mature at an early age. At only 16 years old, he was already preparing for success in his career as a farmer. After successfully being loaned 800 yams from one of the most honored men of the tribe, Okonkwo…show more content… Dak Prescott, the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, matured at an accelerated rate after the death of his mother. Having a close relationship with his mom, Prescott was filled with sorrow. Through his grieving, Prescott was forced to grow emotionally stronger than most twenty-year-olds and many adults. His newfound maturity helped him to lead the grown men on the Dallas Cowboys and, more importantly, to be a positive role off of the field. While the event was tragic, Prescott’s experiences shaped him into a mature young man, despite his young age. A young person may have had a life changing event that an older person has never come close to, which is why it is crucial to remember that someone’s experiences and background sculpt their maturity rather than age.
Everyone has encountered a child that is “mature beyond their years,” but and we have also all seen a “childish adult.” That is why age is not an appropriate indicator of maturity. The level of someone’s maturity is visible through their actions and is product of their experiences, not how many birthdays they have celebrated. Before the next time we discount a child’s opinion or advice because of how young they are, let us stop and consider how mature they really are, regardless of
