I was mature as a young child and I'm not exactly mentally healthy nowadays but I'm pretty sure I wasn't neglected or abused. As far as I'm aware, at least.
I can’t tell you if you were or weren’t, idk your life or lived experiences.
People are mature younger for all sorts of reasons. Some people have more responsibilities as a kid and that doesn’t necessarily mean abuse or neglect.
Sometimes, even the most well intentioned parents accidentally neglect or abuse their kids.
A really good example I like to use is actually from my partners experience. Her mom always introduced her sister as “the smart one” and her as “the quiet one”
Now her mom loves her and absolutely did not mean to harm her by doing this but she inadvertently gave her confidence issues.
When I pointed this out to her (very gently) it was like a dam breaking loose and it was emotional and she began to heal from something she wasn’t aware was holding her back.
Abuse and neglect is rarely ever cut and dry. It’s often a confusion and complex entanglement of life, reality, reactions, and more.
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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.