What is the Age Grouping For a Person To Be Called a Child?
By theSids
@thesids (22180)
Bhubaneswar, India
October 31, 2012 2:16am CST
Hi friends and lotters
I always feel that no matter how grown up we become, for our parents we would always remain a child and probably that is the most wonderful and secure feeling that we can have even at 60.
But, yesterday I was on a discussion from our dear Ms. Bingskee which was about children and how we have evolved as Adults. Well, that discussion made me feel and realize that legally many countries have an age where they start telling that the Child has turned into an Adult or even a grown up person. But they dont have any age specifications for what are the ages when a person is to be called a child.
Does the MyLot community have any clue here? From what I know, the following classifications still exist, but then, how does one judge them?
Tot, toddler, Young Child, Child, Adolescent, Adult, Old... Any help in terms of ages for these would be welcome and appreciated.
And hey, this is the last day of the Month...
So a happy Month End and wishes for a Great New Month ahead
!!!
Cheers,
theSids.
I always feel that no matter how grown up we become, for our parents we would always remain a child and probably that is the most wonderful and secure feeling that we can have even at 60.
But, yesterday I was on a discussion from our dear Ms. Bingskee which was about children and how we have evolved as Adults. Well, that discussion made me feel and realize that legally many countries have an age where they start telling that the Child has turned into an Adult or even a grown up person. But they dont have any age specifications for what are the ages when a person is to be called a child.
Does the MyLot community have any clue here? From what I know, the following classifications still exist, but then, how does one judge them?
Tot, toddler, Young Child, Child, Adolescent, Adult, Old... Any help in terms of ages for these would be welcome and appreciated.
And hey, this is the last day of the Month...
So a happy Month End and wishes for a Great New Month ahead!!!
Cheers,
theSids.4 people like this
17 responses
@viju0410 (2286)
• India
31 Oct 12
Hi Sid
I am in my early 40s but I love the child in myself (I don’t know the child’s age here),
why when playing with the two year baby next door I love making faces and the baby also try to copy me. I have two children and if you ask me how or what age should define them as a child, my answer to you is I treat them as grown up adults. The childhood days are upto an age of 8 or 9 because these days you can find your 8 year old nephew handle iphone or laptops, at 9 they can understand what a reality show means. Terms and words are changing, my son is in pre-teens and my daughter is a teenager. I feel a child can be a newborn too. Pre-school life of anyone can be said as childhood and play age.
Even in our country a local bus would charge half ticket if the child is of 5 years but train charges half when the child is 10 and the air fare is 100% even if you have a baby of 60 days.
I am in my early 40s but I love the child in myself (I don’t know the child’s age here), why when playing with the two year baby next door I love making faces and the baby also try to copy me. I have two children and if you ask me how or what age should define them as a child, my answer to you is I treat them as grown up adults. The childhood days are upto an age of 8 or 9 because these days you can find your 8 year old nephew handle iphone or laptops, at 9 they can understand what a reality show means. Terms and words are changing, my son is in pre-teens and my daughter is a teenager. I feel a child can be a newborn too. Pre-school life of anyone can be said as childhood and play age.
Even in our country a local bus would charge half ticket if the child is of 5 years but train charges half when the child is 10 and the air fare is 100% even if you have a baby of 60 days.
1 person likes this
(considering their knowledge and expertise)@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
31 Oct 12
Hi viju
Many a times, I do feel that you speak my words.
I must say that at times I too have felt the same. And I do continue playing the kid in me many a times. There were times when I wasnt able to do this due to my profession - you know, teachers are supposed to be kind of matured people - and in that somewhere I had to wear masks which was not me. Now, that I stay at home, I can do many things without giving it a damn about what the society or the work culture thinks...
Sometimes, I do feel it is good for the kids of today to get so good technology but many a times, I feel sad for them as they do miss out on many things which we could do as kids - the innocence in us was and still alive but with today's kids, things and definitions of words seem to have changed. Imagine them sitting on the computer for hours neglecting the evening game of kabbaddi or even a game of hide and seek or even flying kites...
Many a times, I do feel that you speak my words.
I must say that at times I too have felt the same. And I do continue playing the kid in me many a times. There were times when I wasnt able to do this due to my profession - you know, teachers are supposed to be kind of matured people - and in that somewhere I had to wear masks which was not me. Now, that I stay at home, I can do many things without giving it a damn about what the society or the work culture thinks...
Sometimes, I do feel it is good for the kids of today to get so good technology but many a times, I feel sad for them as they do miss out on many things which we could do as kids - the innocence in us was and still alive but with today's kids, things and definitions of words seem to have changed. Imagine them sitting on the computer for hours neglecting the evening game of kabbaddi or even a game of hide and seek or even flying kites...
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
31 Oct 12
Hi there my NS
Well, I'm in the States and here one is legally considered an adult at age 18 (sometimes 17). a tot or toddler usually refers to a child between 1 and 3 and then they are a young child until about 10 where they turn into pre-teens and then teens. Honestly, I have 4 children that are all grown and I will always always look at them as "my kids". There are kids that I've watched grow up and even though they are in their mid thirties now, I still refer to them as "kids". I think it's all in the eyes of the beholder...that old saying. 
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
31 Oct 12
Yes...that is all so true and I think it is normal for any parents who are close to their children. My girls,even though grown, still come to me for advice, comfort and help if they are in a tight spot of some sort. I would like to say that we have become much closer as they get older and maybe that is because as they mature, I don't have to play that parent role as strongly and we can relate better as friends/people but it is such a strong bond that it is complicated to explain. I think the bond between a parent and child is one of the strongest bonds there could be in the world or it should be.@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
31 Oct 12
Hi dear namesake
This response definitely helps me much I am now better poised and have a better understanding for sure. Yes, I knew about the ages for adult - we too have adults at 18 now (earlier it was 21) - and this is when they get to vote.
From what I have known about you, I am sure you are a loving parent and as I mentioned, all parents who love their children always feel that the children are kids and yet to grow or mature. Maybe this is their love or over protectiveness (I am unsure as I am yet to be a parent) but loving parents are that way as I have seen and felt
This response definitely helps me much I am now better poised and have a better understanding for sure. Yes, I knew about the ages for adult - we too have adults at 18 now (earlier it was 21) - and this is when they get to vote.
From what I have known about you, I am sure you are a loving parent and as I mentioned, all parents who love their children always feel that the children are kids and yet to grow or mature. Maybe this is their love or over protectiveness (I am unsure as I am yet to be a parent) but loving parents are that way as I have seen and felt
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
31 Oct 12
Dear Sidhu,
Age, the number of years counting after you born, is not a matter at all if you can keep the childish attitude in your mind. I think the age does not count, if a person can keep the innocence of a child inside his/her mind. All people have some childish inside whatever may be their age. I can easily mingle with kids and can make friendship with small children than people who falls under my age group.
So I felt all depends on the mentality of a person, not on the number of years they live in the earth.
Unfortunately, most of the people, after marriage and having kids in their life, forgot to live like a child due to the stress on taking care of different things.
Age, the number of years counting after you born, is not a matter at all if you can keep the childish attitude in your mind. I think the age does not count, if a person can keep the innocence of a child inside his/her mind. All people have some childish inside whatever may be their age. I can easily mingle with kids and can make friendship with small children than people who falls under my age group.
So I felt all depends on the mentality of a person, not on the number of years they live in the earth.
Unfortunately, most of the people, after marriage and having kids in their life, forgot to live like a child due to the stress on taking care of different things.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
2 Nov 12
Hi didi
Your response made me really smile and think that I have lived by what you have said. I have always been playing the kid in me - ever since I have fallen ill and that has really helped me enjoy my boring life all alone at home. Yes, there are some people around who do not appreciate me doing this but then, if I lived like I did when I was healthy and professionally involved, it would be more dull all alone.
I have been traveling and I know I havent been able to call you either. I will be reaching back on Sunday so will definitely call you ASAP.
Your response made me really smile and think that I have lived by what you have said. I have always been playing the kid in me - ever since I have fallen ill and that has really helped me enjoy my boring life all alone at home. Yes, there are some people around who do not appreciate me doing this but then, if I lived like I did when I was healthy and professionally involved, it would be more dull all alone.
I have been traveling and I know I havent been able to call you either. I will be reaching back on Sunday so will definitely call you ASAP.1 person likes this
@marguicha (223097)
• Chile
31 Oct 12
Legally, my coutry has three age specifications as to how the law treats them. Above 18 you are an adult. But from 14 to 18 there is a difference on how you are treated should you do something against the law. Being an adfodescent is not a legal specification here, but it is very important when talking about people`s behaviour. So it seems that divisions are different depending on what you seek to know.
@marguicha (223097)
• Chile
2 Nov 12
I think that part of how grown up we are at what age is personal and part of it depends on the place we live in. In my country, children who grow up in poor and tough neighborhoods have to learn to take care of themselves in a way I don`t need to learn. On the other hand, I was perfectly grown up to get married at 18 years of age even though it wasn`t used where I came from. We make decisions depending on what happens in our lives, and that makes us mature.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
2 Nov 12
Dear marguicha
Well, yes, the different ways they handle the adults and non-adults for similar crimes is a legal way to differentiate.
I was trying to find out - if anyone asked me - how was your childhood, upto what age specs should I go about describing or even take into consideration. Until now, I have been telling until I was 13 - but I have always been confused on this as I fail to see that I wasnt even a better matured person by the time I was 18 or even 19.
Well, yes, the different ways they handle the adults and non-adults for similar crimes is a legal way to differentiate.
I was trying to find out - if anyone asked me - how was your childhood, upto what age specs should I go about describing or even take into consideration. Until now, I have been telling until I was 13 - but I have always been confused on this as I fail to see that I wasnt even a better matured person by the time I was 18 or even 19.
@changjiangzhibin89 (16762)
• China
31 Oct 12
Well said! in the eyes of our parents,we are always children no matter how old we are.I am already an old man,but my 91 year old mother often asks me " aren't you cold with so little on".As far as I know,By child,it's understood that It means person under 14.Todder is a child who has just learnt to walk;adolescent is young teenager of about 13-16.As to adult,It differs from country to country.Over here it is 18.In America,it seems that both men and women come of age at 21.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
2 Nov 12
Hi changjiangzhibin
Glad to see you my dear friend
I am already an old man,but my 91 year old mother often asks me " aren't you cold with so little on" - That is how I have seen parents and specially moms. They are the ones who are so gifted souls on earth and we as their children are blessed for life
Glad to see you my dear friend
I am already an old man,but my 91 year old mother often asks me " aren't you cold with so little on" - That is how I have seen parents and specially moms. They are the ones who are so gifted souls on earth and we as their children are blessed for life@changjiangzhibin89 (16762)
• China
3 Nov 12
Mother's love is great and selfless.I am fortunate enough to have a 91 year old Mum.
@rehanashraf (350)
• India
31 Oct 12
Different people how lives in different countries have different meaning in that term.And also age of child for vary of people who belongs to different part of world.Most of countries have always limit to persons called as a child by other societies person.But many of countries the age of adult is 18 years and might be some countries have 21 years as well.people should consider a person a child which is belong under 14.Cheers for next successful life.....................!!!!
@rehanashraf (350)
• India
1 Nov 12
I had discussed my information in the given discussion which is belong to different countries as well.MY first point some countries people should consider 18 as adult in the most countries ,however some countries have legally 21 years as adult which quantity are few and far.Teen age consider as boy or girl who belongs to the age group of 13 to 19 as well in the whole word.In the end under 14 consider as young boy and above as consider boy in the people till to 18 which is called to youth girl and boy in so many countries with respect some thing like as culture traditional values and people behave and also their living.I hope you can clarify that thing by this comment..................
@ifa225 (14461)
• Indonesia
31 Oct 12
Since my mother had gone about ten years ago
and I already have three kids
no one would consider me as a child
but...when it comes to my friends
they always see me as a child cause my body is nit as tall as them.
I am sorry I can't answer your question since there is no certainty in grouping age for adult..kids..old...
I am sorry I can't answer your question since there is no certainty in grouping age for adult..kids..old...@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
31 Oct 12
Hi ifa
The three loving kids that you have, I am sure they would have kept the kid in you alive and there would be times when you would feel a child when in their company. I can vouch for this feeling my dear friend, because I too am more like a kid when I am with my loving nephew who is only 8 and yes, then there is my wife
too who allows me to be childish though at times only...
btw, do you mean to say that Height can have a role in being considered as a child?
The three loving kids that you have, I am sure they would have kept the kid in you alive and there would be times when you would feel a child when in their company. I can vouch for this feeling my dear friend, because I too am more like a kid when I am with my loving nephew who is only 8 and yes, then there is my wife too who allows me to be childish though at times only...
btw, do you mean to say that Height can have a role in being considered as a child?
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
31 Oct 12
A child would literally mean someone that is aged 18 and below. But you would still hear our folks refer to us as child and not as son or daughter sometimes, right?
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
31 Oct 12
I guess you could count out teenagers since they are not heavily dependent on their parents. they are mostly rebellious and capable of doing things without supervision. They also can form their own opinions based on what they can observe.
I guess 3 to 10 years old is a good stage for classification.
@Kalyni2011 (3496)
• India
20 Nov 12
Sid
I am 60+ now, as per government guide lines, i am senior citizen, i can enjoy certain facilities..
When playing with grand kids, i feel i am a baby , same age with them, my grandkids vary in age from 18 years to 18 months
thanks for this discussion.
I am 60+ now, as per government guide lines, i am senior citizen, i can enjoy certain facilities..
When playing with grand kids, i feel i am a baby , same age with them, my grandkids vary in age from 18 years to 18 months
thanks for this discussion.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
31 Oct 12
Hi HeartROB
Yes, that is what I too believe - the state of the mind - it should be a factor and as that factor is subjective, I do feel that they have no such age limits for being or not being a child.
Going by that, if anyone asked me about my childhood days, I still tell them all I remember upto when I was around 20. They say this is ridiculous but I think I became more responsible at 20 than I was earlier.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN buddy. What is your costume this year? (just curious... as I have this casper avatar on mine for a while now, it was for the Halloween)
Yes, that is what I too believe - the state of the mind - it should be a factor and as that factor is subjective, I do feel that they have no such age limits for being or not being a child.
Going by that, if anyone asked me about my childhood days, I still tell them all I remember upto when I was around 20. They say this is ridiculous but I think I became more responsible at 20 than I was earlier.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN buddy. What is your costume this year? (just curious... as I have this casper avatar on mine for a while now, it was for the Halloween)
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
31 Oct 12
Dear Praaji
I have no disagreements here because I too have been called a child many a times and in fact I do want that to keep happening with me. I love the child within me and it is the only way I think one can manage to keep a relationship with the innocence despite the busy and complicated lives that most of us lead these days.
And now, I know another reason why I have always felt so close to you my dear praaji
I have no disagreements here because I too have been called a child many a times and in fact I do want that to keep happening with me. I love the child within me and it is the only way I think one can manage to keep a relationship with the innocence despite the busy and complicated lives that most of us lead these days.
And now, I know another reason why I have always felt so close to you my dear praaji
@Gretchen522 (715)
• China
31 Oct 12
It just like if we are in our thirties, we are parents of our kids,we are kids of our parents,and we are also still in a stage of grown up. We have many characters in this world,which is caused by society. Each person is a part of this society,the complexed relationships formed our complexed character.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
31 Oct 12
Hi Gretchen
I agree with what you say dear, but then my doubts still remain and I am unclear about the specific age classifications which of course your response misses. But still I have to agree with you that we all have so many roles to perform at the same time... - like you mention - parenting our kid and even at that time being a kid to our parents.
I agree with what you say dear, but then my doubts still remain and I am unclear about the specific age classifications which of course your response misses. But still I have to agree with you that we all have so many roles to perform at the same time... - like you mention - parenting our kid and even at that time being a kid to our parents.
@Clickston2 (39)
• Kenya
1 Nov 12
There is no really an age group from which parent will start calling their offspring grown up. They probably love so much the beautiful baby they had initially from the maternity ward. For respect most of the time they will just use daughter, son or your name.
@gary23 (425)
• India
31 Oct 12
In our country, 18 is the age of an adult. There's no other demarcation. According to me,till 13 years one can be called a child. And yes, we remain children in the eyes of our parents forever.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
31 Oct 12
Hi gary
I too think that the legal demarcation is only for separating the others and the adults and maybe this is why they have only an age (here in India it was 21 for boys and 18 for girls some years back, but now, it is 18 - that is going by the fact that this is when they are permitted to vote).
I believe the 13 in your response has a reference to the adolescent age or the age of the teens. But recently I participated in one discussion at mylot where the starter mentioned that more people (or kids or children) are attaining puberty earlier than the 13 years. So that too raises a confusion for me.
I too think that the legal demarcation is only for separating the others and the adults and maybe this is why they have only an age (here in India it was 21 for boys and 18 for girls some years back, but now, it is 18 - that is going by the fact that this is when they are permitted to vote).
I believe the 13 in your response has a reference to the adolescent age or the age of the teens. But recently I participated in one discussion at mylot where the starter mentioned that more people (or kids or children) are attaining puberty earlier than the 13 years. So that too raises a confusion for me.
@doroffee (4222)
• Hungary
31 Oct 12
It really depends. I would call someone a child I guess until 12. Well, I do think that most youngsters are part children until 16/17 years old mentally (as they are immature, do not really sensible things etc.), but to call them a child maybe would be derogatory, as they are kind of in a transitional phase when they are getting more serious, and it would hurt their egos. And they are not 100% children anyway at that age bracket. I am kind of shocked when news anchors in my country are talking about juvenile criminals, and address 14-15 year olds as children...
@Sindelle (824)
• United States
1 Nov 12
I've always though of those terms as defined this way.
Tot-I have never used this word. Sounds like tater tots they serve with burgers.
Toddler- 3-5 yrs
I usually don't call children young child just child but if I had to say ages...
young child-6-7
child-8-10
Adolescent(teenager)-starts at thirteen...think of it this way...thirteen makes you a teenager because it has teen in the number.
Adult-over the age of 18
Old-Over the age of 65
