One recent area of debate within the science of brain development is the most likely chronological age for full mental maturity, or indeed, if such an age even exists. Common claims repeated in the media since 2005 (based upon interpretations of imaging data) have commonly suggested an "end-point" of 25, referring to the prefrontal cortex as one area that is not yet fully mature at the age of 18.

Psychological characteristics were considered much more important for being an adult compared with the traditional milestones like marriage and parenthood or the legal markers of adulthood, such as reaching age 18.

Stimulate the mind and boost creativity. Young children often learn best when they are playing—a principle that applies to adults, as well.

Many more adults got the flu shot with nearly half of the adult population getting one last season, according to the CDC, a number that was slightly higher than the year before. —

Due to these social changes, our expectations of young people and their level of social responsibility has also changed.

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Young people under 21 in the US could also not purchase alcohol, purchase handguns, sign a binding contract, or marry without permission from parents. After the voting age AdultList was lowered, many states also moved to lower the drinking age (with most states having a minimum age of 18 or 19) and also to lower the age of legal majority (adulthood) to 18. However, there are legal activities where 18 is not the default age of adulthood.

Not more than one adult worker in ten—so at least it might with confidence be estimated—is employed on necessary things.

Joke with strangers at a bus stop or in a checkout line. It’ll make the time pass quicker and you may even spark up new friendships.

[4] During the Industrial Revolution, children went to work as soon as they could in order to help provide for their family. There was not a huge emphasis on school or education in general. Many children could get a job and were not required to have experience as adults are nowadays. Adulthood, in more recent years, as it has been studied has developed a characteristic list, that goes far beyond just ones physical maturity.[5] These markers for a full, mentally developed, adult include traits of personal responsibilities in multiple aspects of life.

These are words and phrases related to adult. Click on any word or phrase to go to its thesaurus page. Or, go to the definition of adult.

Learn more about the LEGO® Botanical Collection and discover why brick-built blooms make the ideal gift for a loved one.

Rolling on the floor with your baby or getting down on your knees to play with a young child is vitally important—both to your child’s development and to your own health.

As well as aiding your child’s development, play can also bring you closer together and strengthen the parent-child bond that will last a lifetime.