Why do we accept the eccentricities of children, but not those of adults?

Question

Does this make any sense? Not sure how else to word this...

Answer 1

It's because children are innocence....they aren't expected to conform to what the world thinks they should be doing with their lives.

We tell our kids to dream, but when we "grow up"....well the only way I can put it is this:

"When you grow up, your heart dies" - Alison, The Breakfast Club

It's a harsh way to put it...but it happens all too often. I've always identified with Ally Sheedy's character in that movie, because the character was "just her" ;)

Your question makes perfect sense to me :)

Answer 2

I think it's because of all the labels that society gives us, I mean if a person is a little odd or peculiar, so what, as long as they're not hurt themselves or someone else I don't see the problem, but for some reason society thinks they're different and I've come to learn that society doesn't like anything that is different. As for why its more acceptable for the eccentricities of children than it is for adults is because children are looked upon as being innocent and not knowing any better, and by the time we're adults we should know what is socially acceptable and try to fit the mold set for us by society.

Answer 3

Children are supposed to be eccentric, after all, they are new to this world. Adults have experience of what is accepted, and should "know better".
Personally, I think a little deviation from the norm is healthy... even in adults.

Answer 4

Like everyone else says, it's to do with concessions being made to innocence. The idea being, that children haven't yet learnt the rules that society operates by, and so they can be forgiven for breaking them - also, by disobeying, they give adults the opportunity to assert their authority, either by punishing them, or simply teaching them the right thing to say or do. Even if we don't set them straight, by doing the wrong thing, they implicitly reconfirm by contrast that we know the right thing to do (eg - a little girl pulls up her skirt, and I laugh, because unconsciously I'm thinking, she has embarrassed herself but I haven't, congratulating myself on my modesty)

Also, they enact the transgressions that we are afraid to act out ourselves, like saying "I'm tired, I want to go home" out loud at a dinner party, or skipping down the road. There's an assumption that if you know the rules, you must obey them - what we cannot abide is the idea that someone knowingly rejects the rules of society

Answer 5

adults are held to a different standard. It's interesting that those eccentricities are encouraged up to a certain age, and then all of a sudden they're "acting immature".
I think it stems from taking ones self too seriously and being envious of qualities they don't possess
certain "eccentricities" could become a great career if they aren't snuffed out.

Answer 6

It does make sense. We let kids be free and different to a certain level that would be frowned upon in adults.

I think we expect the child to "grow up" and assimilate and act normal. I guess in all that "Dare to be You" crap we teach the young there is an expected level of conformity we are expected to have when we are older.

Answer 7

because children are supposed to be innocent & since they are learning the difference between what is aceptable & what is not, we excuse them.
on the other hand, adults should have learned by now, so unless they are completely w/o a brain or thought process, we dont let them get away with those things

Answer 8

Because many people think that children are innocent and haven't completely learned their right from their wrong. There is a time to accept it, but there is also a time to let them know just what is wrong.

Rum Shots!

Answer 9

Everyone thinks I act like a 2 year old, but I just ignore them...some adults can act like kids, and be excused, and some can't, I think that sucks!

Answer 10

Yes