10 Signs You're No Longer A Child Anymore | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Signs You're No Longer A Child Anymore

Welcome to the real world kiddos.

2382
10 Signs You're No Longer A Child Anymore
Pexels

It all hits us one day. The realization that our childhood has officially left us and that we are now a contributing part of society that demands we take responsibility for ourselves, and sometimes others. Where we all can still hold onto that child at heart, the harsh reality that we can no longer run away from our troubles or find the same carefree joy in all the things we loved as kids is glaring. If you've ever had any of these experiences, you may be growing up.

1. Eating in becomes more attractive than spending money to go out.

Leftovers? Tupperware? Yes, please. Spending money is L A M E.

2. You don't know what you want for Christmas.


For Christmas 2005, I'm pretty sure I had a thorough list of every doll, accessory, gift card, or DVD I'd want that year at hand whenever anyone asked. Now, when my parents ask me what I want, they can't get a response from me for at least a month. What does that delayed response end up being? Cash. How boring?

3. You are actually excited to go to school.

This usually happens between the transition from high school to college, but even besides the social life and independence you gain when you go to college, realizing your academic passions can be kind of thrilling. Those back to school campaigns don't have to be daunting anymore.

4. Paying your first water or electric bill gives you a sense of pride.

OK, so maybe it's safe to say no one likes spending money on non-fun things like bills, but doing so really is a sign that you've hit a mile stone. You're independent. You're getting life done by having a job or taking responsibility to take care of yourself.

5. You look at the current programming for kids these days and say an expletive to yourself.

I'm sorry, but if you watch anything on current-day Nickelodeon–besides seasons 1 through 4 of Spongebob Squarepants–what are you thinking? Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn? The Thundermans? Don't even get me started on the catastrophe that is the new Disney Channel. Lizzie McGuire called, she wants her time slot back.

6. Finding out that going to Disney World is more chaotic than you remember.

*SIDE NOTE: I am without-a-doubt pro-Disney, pro-Disney parks, etc. Just hear me out.

Nothing sucks more than going to Disney World and seeing the not-so-magical elements that you looked over as a kid. The screaming toddlers, the crowds, the long lines, the hangry parents–they all can take away from you trying to surpass your childhood memories. The fact that you even notice all of this mayhem is a tall tale sign you're getting older.

7. You regret not enjoying nap time in kindergarten.

NEVER underestimate the glory of a power nap. As college and adult-life pile on, it's easy to become envious of a 5-year-old who gets allotted time to chill.

8. You start admitting that your parents know what they are talking about.

Learning from your own mistakes, or seeing how stupid some of your friends can be, can make you look back on the advice your parents have given you in the past. It is definitely a hard pill to swallow to recognize your folks are a bit wiser than you are. You really cannot go on by staying up until 4 a.m. every night, eating greasy food 24/7 or buying something off of Amazon once a week.

9. You hunt for coupons.

BOGO? 20% off? A new Groupon? It's all about finding deals. Never pay full price for anything if you know there's a way to pay less. You may look like a suburban mom, but at least you're saving money and looking smart while you do it.

10. You have caught yourself saying "When I was growing up _____."

You can sound like you're nearing grandpa-status if you have ever uttered any version of this line. This is the ultimate sign that you are for sure not a kid anymore. The next step for you is probably rolling your eyes like Schmidt from New Girl and screaming: YOUTHS!


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

798
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199961
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20723
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

462252
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments