Identity crisis is usually discussed in relation to adolescents. But at 10, a child also asks important questions: "Who am I?", "What's my place in class?", "Am I cool or a loser?". This is a preadolescent crisis associated with separation from parents and entering the world of peers. We talk about the symptoms and ways to help.

Where Do Doubts Come From

At 10, a child's world expands. TikTok idols and class authorities appear. The child compares themselves to others: "I don't have an iPhone, so I'm poor," "I can't play football, so I'm a wimp." Also, physiological changes (the beginning of puberty) come into play: some have grown, while others are still small.

Symptoms of Identity Crisis

The child tries on different roles: today he's a goth, tomorrow a sportsman. He often changes hobbies, friends, and clothing style. He fears looking silly and conforms to the majority (for example, listens to the same music as everyone). He's shy around parents with friends and is extremely sensitive to criticism. He may lie about himself (invent a rich biography).

What Parents Can Do

Don't mock his interests, even if "it will pass." Expand his circle of "experiments": take him to different clubs, allow him to try new things. Support him when he brags, but don't expose him. Don't label him: "You're our humanist," "You're always a nerd." Tell him about your own childhood doubts.

Important: an identity crisis at 10 is normal. If it persists until 12 and is accompanied by depression, it's worth seeking help from a psychologist.

Permanent link to this publication: