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.
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the other parents are kicking balls, shooting hoops and taking their little tykes to playgroup, your child seems to be withdrawn, dreamy and contemplative.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.
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.
