One of the most beautiful things to witness as a
mother or father is to watch the slow growth and
maturing of a new soul, born into this world with
fresh eyes and a playful, childlike understanding
of life. But what happens when, as a mother or
father, you bring into this world a child who
displays a variety of unusual and incongruous
traits with that of being a youngster?

Instead of being wide-eyed and simplistic, your child is perceptive and complex. Instead of being naïve and spontaneous, your child is sensible and knowing. Instead of being fresh and uncomplicated, your child is experienced and intuitive. All in all, instead of being young at heart, your child is undeniably and unmistakeable old at heart.
The reality is that if your child does not fit the typical mold of his or her age group, you might have an Old Soul on your hands. And if you didn’t fit the norm of the kids your age growing up, you’re most likely an Old Soul as well. Although strange and perplexing, the Old Soul child is one of the greatest unexpected blessings life has to offer not only because of their innate wisdom, but also because of the level-headed stability they have to offer.

If you are struggling to relate to your child, understand where they are coming from, or simply want some closure, you might benefit from reading the signs below:

1. They are otherworldly.
You don’t know what exactly it is about your
child… but something about them seems out of
place. The best word you can think to describe
your son or daughter is that they are
“otherworldly”. In short, they just don’t seem to
be from this world, and often times they are very
much in a world of their own making.


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2. They are pensive.
While the other parents are kicking balls,
shooting hoops and taking their little tykes to
playgroup, your child seems to be withdrawn,
dreamy and contemplative. In other words, your
child seems to be in a perpetually pensive state,
quietly absorbed in their own meditative world.


*
3. They struggle to fit in with other children
their age.
Although they usually attempt to blend in with
the children in their age group, if your child is an
Old Soul they will gradually lose interest in the
conversations, interests and dramas of the kid’s
their age. Sometimes this can result in being
bullied and picked on, especially in school, and
so they can sometimes live their childhood and
pubescent years as outcasts.


*
4. They can relate to people much older than
them.
If your child is an Old Soul you will notice that
they often gravitate towards spending time with
older people. For example, at school they usually
tend to befriend the teachers, and in the family
social life, they tend to enjoy talking to older
people (e.g. grandparents, adult friends, retirees)
. This is because psychologically, they are on the
same level.


*
5. They don’t like listening to authority and can
be perceived as “smart asses”.
Far from being anarchic, Old Soul children are
highly intelligent, astute and observant and so
are not as susceptible to blindly obeying
authority as childlike children are. Instinctively
feeling themselves to be equals to their adult
peers, Old Soul children tend to get in trouble
with figures of authority while growing up, easily
seeing through the puerile, flawed and illogical
demands they are often confronted with.
Therefore, in school and in home life, the Old
Soul child will often not hesitate to argue or
wisecrack his or her way out of unreasonable
punishments or requests.


*
6. They tend to spend a lot of their time alone.
If your child is an Old Soul, they will find it
difficult to integrate into the social circles of
their age group. Coupled with their contemplative
natures, Old Soul children will often spend time
alone despite their often well-developed social
skills. This is not because the child is anxious or
depressive, but simply because they are
comfortable in their own company and rarely
need to depend on anyone else to provide them
with enjoyment and stimulation.


*
7. They are very inquisitive.
Seeking to perpetually build on their knowledge
and wisdom from a young age, Old Soul children
love to ask many questions about the world in
different shapes and forms. If your child is an
Old Soul, they can often be found reading books,
exploring the world, experimenting and asking
surprising questions.


*
8. They are “underachievers” or “overachievers”.
Depending on the temperament of your child, if
they are more emotional and creative, they will
often work hard at school in an attempt to please
you. However, if your child is more logical and
scholarly, they will often rebel against the
schooling system, sensing the flaws and
limitations of such a system they are forced to
be a part of.


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9. They are responsible and independent.
One of the most noticeable characteristics of
the Old Soul child is that they are unusually
stable and reliable. For this reason, many
parents who have Old Soul children often find
themselves leaning on them for support, advice
and assistance. While the good-natured Old Soul
child is happy to help whenever needed,
eventually, if they are given too many
responsibilities or depended on too heavily, they
will seek distance and freedom.


*
10. They sound like a “little old man” or “little
old woman”.
Sometimes, out of the blue, a witty interjection,
or incisive question will arise from your child if
they are an Old Soul. The best way to describe
your child’s wisdom beyond years is that they
sound like a “little old man or woman”
unexpectedly giving advice and counsel.


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-Yuzjet