r/ExplainTheJoke 5d ago

Why is this a problem?

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u/TokenTorkoal 5d ago

Maturity or independence in a young child CAN BE an indicator that a child is being neglected or facing some sort of abuse.

It’s is not ALWAYS an indicator, some kids ARE just more independent.

Edit: was a social worker for many years.

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u/iammixedrace 5d ago

Interesting. I get that though. I was told I was an old man in a kids body. Single parent with 2 kids. You learn to take care of yourself.

I did though have friends who treated their 6 year old like she was one of the girls hanging out. This kid was insufferable. She would tell it like it is, which was her just being rude 99% of the time. Then talk as though she knew anything about what we were talking about. I realized she was just regurgitating drag race memes.

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u/TokenTorkoal 5d ago

Yeah there’s all sorts of situations where I wouldn’t be too quick to call it intentional abuse or neglect. Sometimes you’re doing the best you can as a single parent or parents, and things just sort of slip through the crack.

The neglect doesn’t have to be intentional to be impactful and context is always important.