How old is old enough!?

Age is just a number they say! You grow old in years but being the youngest kid in the family, do you ever get old!? You are always treated like the youngest (kid), no matter what your age is in number. If it wasn't for my spoiled skin, no one could tell my age with the innocence and carefree look on the face. Although I still don't qualify for 27 by my looks. Responsibilities that came with time bringing a little stress, lack of sleep, relationship issues and a habit of smoking developed due to obvious social reasons are what has damaged my skin and make me look like a hag.

Caught in this confusing scenario, you tend to end up feeling like an adolescent, who doesn't know when to act like a kid and when to behave like an adult. Family treats you like a kid when they want to and want you to grow up magically when they need. Problem is you are never clear as in how to strike a balance between the two requirements because sometimes they get too demanding and you already have a lot on your plate to deal with.

Conflicts arise when you want to exercise your adult rights and you are made to stick to your childlike traits. And when you want to be treated like a child in the family, you are made aware of your adult duties. You are treated like an errant teenager when you want to make a point about you being mature enough to handle things for yourself. When you want to step out in the world as an individual, make your own decisions and explore your own directions, you turn into a rebellious and gullible teen.

This age conflict isn't with the youngest only, it happens to the eldest as well. If you are the eldest, you are expected to be mature by birth and at the same time, you are constantly reminded that you aren't old enough. You are required to perform your duties as the eldest child and be your (young) age at the same time.

I have friends who are over 27 but are still not free to make their own decisions while performing all the adult duties in the family. And I have seen people who are in their early 20s and are already performing their duties while making sure they are not "crossing the line" and are still following what their parents want them to.

How do we deal with these issues? Are these parenting issues that require counselling for the parents or are these simply extended mid 20s issues, when even your parents have no idea how to treat you! Let you be you or force you into a machine they can program as per their needs!