If you had these 9 experiences as a child, you’re probably a mentally strong adult

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | January 18, 2025, 4:55 am

Childhood experiences can significantly shape the person we become as adults.

Sometimes, difficult situations we face as children help build our mental fortitude, preparing us for future hurdles we might encounter.

If you’ve had certain experiences when you were young, you might be more mentally strong now than you realize.

In this article, I’ll share 9 experiences that could suggest you’ve grown into a mentally robust adult. We’ll delve into these childhood occurrences and explore how they might have contributed to your resilience and strength today.

1) You faced failure early on

Failure isn’t fun to experience, but it’s crucial for building mental toughness.

As children, we’re often shielded from failure. Our parents swoop in to prevent us from experiencing any form of setback. But if you faced failure early on and learned to cope with it, it’s likely contributed to your mental strength as an adult.

Failure teaches us resilience. It shows us that life goes on, even when things don’t go as planned. That’s a valuable lesson that can translate into mental toughness in adulthood.

So, if your childhood was punctuated by moments of failure and learning from those failures, you might be a stronger adult than you give yourself credit for. Remember, it’s not about the failures themselves, but how you responded to them that counts.

2) You grew up with strict boundaries

Growing up, my parents were big on setting clear boundaries. Bedtime was at 9 PM, no exceptions. Homework was done before any TV watching commenced. And chores were a non-negotiable part of my daily routine.

At the time, it felt restrictive. I envied friends who had more relaxed rules at home. But now that I’m an adult, I see how those boundaries have shaped me into a more disciplined and mentally resilient person.

Boundaries teach us self-control, discipline, and respect for others’ expectations. They help us understand that actions have consequences and that we can’t always have everything our way.

So if your childhood was characterized by strict boundaries and rules, it may have contributed to your mental strength as an adult. It might not have been enjoyable back then, but it likely equipped you with the discipline and self-control necessary to navigate adulthood effectively.

3) You had to take on responsibility

Responsibility can be a daunting thing for a child. Whether it’s looking after a younger sibling, doing household chores, or balancing schoolwork with other obligations, responsibility at a young age can be overwhelming.

However, children who have taken on responsibilities tend to become adults who can better handle stress and adversity. They learn early on that their actions matter and that they have a role to play in their own lives and the lives of others.

So if you found yourself shouldering responsibility as a child, it may have felt burdensome at the time. But those experiences likely played a significant role in developing your mental strength and resilience as an adult.

4) You were encouraged to express your emotions

Growing up, not all of us were allowed to openly express our feelings. In some households, showing emotion was seen as a sign of weakness. But if your family encouraged emotional expression, it might have contributed to your mental strength as an adult.

Understanding and expressing emotions is a crucial part of mental resilience. It teaches us to manage our feelings, rather than letting them control us. It allows us to handle stress, anxiety, and disappointment more effectively.

So, if as a child you were allowed and encouraged to express your emotions, be it happiness, sadness, anger or fear, you likely learned how to navigate your emotional landscape. This ability has probably carried over into your adult life, contributing to your mental strength.

5) You learned the value of hard work

Hard work is a trait that can’t be underestimated when discussing mental strength. If, as a child, you were taught the importance of putting in effort and not relying on luck or handouts, you’re likely a mentally strong adult.

The lesson here is about perseverance and understanding that worthwhile things don’t always come easily. It’s about knowing that even when things get tough, pushing through can lead to results.

So if your childhood was filled with lessons about the value of hard work, it may have played a significant role in shaping your mental resilience as an adult. The mindset that hard work pays off can help you navigate life’s challenges with grit and determination.

6) You experienced loss or hardship

Experiencing loss or hardship as a child is incredibly challenging. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, a family divorce, or financial struggles, these experiences can leave deep impressions.

Yet, these heartbreaking experiences often mold us into emotionally resilient adults. They force us to face the harsh realities of life at a young age, teaching us to cope with pain and loss.

So if you experienced loss or hardship as a child, know that your strength as an adult didn’t come easily. It was born out of those difficult times. You learned to endure, to keep going even when everything seemed hopeless. And that’s what makes you a mentally strong adult today.

7) You had to fend for yourself

I remember a time when I was left to navigate a tricky situation on my own. I was only 10, and I had to figure out how to get home from school during a sudden citywide bus strike. It was scary and challenging, but it was also an important lesson in self-reliance.

Being left to fend for yourself forces you to develop problem-solving skills, independence, and the ability to adapt to unexpected situations. It teaches you that you can rely on your own abilities to get through tough times.

So if you were often left to your own devices as a child, you’re likely more mentally strong as an adult than you realize. Those experiences helped shape your ability to stand on your own two feet, no matter what life throws at you.

8) You were taught the importance of respect

Respect is a valuable lesson that can contribute to one’s mental strength. If you were taught to respect others, their boundaries, and their differences, it has likely played a role in your adult resilience.

Respect teaches us empathy and understanding. It helps us navigate social situations and build strong relationships. It also instills in us the value of self-respect, which is crucial for maintaining mental health and resilience.

So if your childhood was filled with lessons about respect, it’s likely you’ve grown into a mentally strong adult. You’ve learned to navigate the world with understanding and empathy while maintaining strong boundaries for yourself.

9) You were allowed to make mistakes

Mistakes are a part of life. They’re how we grow, learn, and become better people. If you were allowed to make mistakes as a child – and more importantly, if you were taught to learn from those mistakes – you’re likely a mentally strong adult.

Mistakes teach us that it’s okay to fail, and that failure isn’t the end of the world. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset is a cornerstone of mental strength and resilience.

So if your childhood was filled with opportunities to stumble, make mistakes, and learn from them, you’ve been equipped with a valuable tool for handling adversity in adulthood. It’s this acceptance of failure and willingness to learn that marks the true essence of mental strength.