When we talk about the top 10 things kids get up to, we’re really diving into a world where imagination runs rampant and the line between play and pathology can blur once we grow up. Childhood feels like a kaleidoscope of wonder, where every new idea is celebrated and creativity is the daily bread. As we age, however, many of those same whimsical habits get labeled “odd” or even “dangerous,” especially when they linger into adulthood.
Why These Top 10 Things Matter
Below you’ll find a countdown of the ten most eyebrow‑raising behaviors that children love, but that adults often deem “insane” when they persist. Each entry comes with a vivid description, a real‑world example, and a look at the adult mental‑health condition it can foreshadow.
10 They Have Imaginary Friends
Many youngsters conjure up invisible companions, whether they’re invisible playmates or beloved stuffed animals that suddenly gain a voice. Researchers at the University of Oregon estimate that about 37 % of children have reported an invisible friend by age seven.
These companions can take many forms—human figures, animals, even fantastical creatures. Studies show that boys typically imagine male friends, while girls are more likely to picture both genders.
Contrary to the old belief that these friends fill a loneliness gap, many children actually develop stronger social abilities through their pretend interactions.
Imaginary friends can also be mischievous—refusing to answer when called or being blamed for broken toys. Yet, even the youngest kids usually understand that these pals are “just pretend.”
While a childhood imaginary friend is usually harmless, an adult who insists the friend is real might be experiencing early signs of schizophrenia, especially if the invisible companion talks back.
9 They Think They Can Fly
A surprising number of kids recount vivid memories of soaring through the air, describing the sensation of wind against their faces and the thrill of gliding above rooftops.
Some children can paint a detailed picture of the feeling, while others simply hold an unshakeable conviction that they once flew, even if the memory is fuzzy.
In adults, this belief can be a red flag for psychosis. In 2013, a 17‑year‑old named Henry Kwan, after ingesting synthetic LSD, became convinced he could fly and tragically leapt from a balcony, resulting in his death.
This dangerous delusion underscores the importance of seeking professional help when such fantasies turn into life‑threatening actions.
8 They Believe They Are Someone Else
Adopting a different persona is a staple of childhood development. Role‑playing lets kids experiment with new identities—be it an astronaut, fire‑fighter, or superhero—helping them practice predicting others’ thoughts and actions.
During these games, children often truly believe they are the character they’re embodying, though the play usually lasts only a few hours. Some children, however, can extend the fantasy into elaborate, long‑running narratives.
When adults cling to an alternate identity, it may signal dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder). This condition often stems from repeated trauma, such as domestic violence or abuse, prompting the brain to create separate personalities for self‑protection.
Research indicates that up to 99 % of individuals diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder have endured overwhelming, life‑threatening events.
7 They Think They Can Levitate
Many kids claim they’ve floated down stairs or lifted off the ground, a belief that can blur the lines between dream and reality. Historical accounts, like Samuel Pepys’s 1665 diary entry, even recount childhood levitation as evidence of supernatural forces.
Adults sometimes experience a similar sensation during out‑of‑body episodes, often while under anesthesia, watching the medical team from a detached viewpoint.
While occasional levitation experiences can be harmless—or even positive—persistent out‑of‑body sensations may point to depersonalization disorder, where individuals feel disconnected from their bodies and thoughts.
6 They Think They Are Robots
Robots fascinate children; the idea of a human‑like machine that can move and speak without feeling sparks endless imagination. Many kids love to mimic robotic movements and speak in mechanical tones.
When adults begin to genuinely feel like machines—believing they lack emotions or are merely automatons—it can be a symptom of depersonalization disorder, a condition often mistaken for depression.
Although distressing, this feeling can be temporary; however, without proper treatment, the symptoms may recur and interfere with daily life.
5 They Believe They Have Special Powers
From secret super‑strength to mind‑reading, many children swear they possess extraordinary abilities. Whether inspired by movies or innate imagination, these beliefs often give youngsters a sense of control, fostering patience, helpfulness, and confidence.
In adulthood, however, unwavering belief in superhuman powers can signal delusions of grandeur—a hallmark of certain psychotic disorders. Examples include thinking one is a hidden heir to a throne or a covert celebrity.
One documented case involved a man convinced for 25 years that he was an internationally renowned secret agent capable of steering global military strategy, even claiming to have liberated Kuwait with his mind.
He even persuaded his wife and child that he was a hyper‑charged version of James Bond—an instance of folie à trois, where three people share the same delusional belief.
He alleged he’d been paid over $100 million by grateful nations, only to discover the funds didn’t exist when he tried to withdraw them. When foreign governments supposedly approached him for his “intelligence,” he rebuffed them, only to have his house planning permission denied—a narrative he interpreted as retaliation.
Such grandiose delusions, though seemingly far‑fetched, are genuinely held by sufferers, often overlapping with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
4 They Do The Same Thing Repeatedly
Routines are a cornerstone of childhood comfort. Kids frequently want to watch the same movie, read the same book, or play with the same toy over and over, and any deviation can cause upset.
Adults also enjoy familiarity, but when a ritual becomes the primary focus of daily life—disrupting work, relationships, or personal growth—it may evolve into obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD).
For instance, a child might find solace in hearing the same bedtime story nightly, while an adult might feel compelled to reread a page repeatedly to ensure nothing was missed, leading to significant anxiety and time consumption.
Severe OCD can consume up to ten hours per day, severely limiting the individual’s ability to function.
3 They Have Night Terrors
Night terrors, typically affecting children aged four to twelve, involve sudden awakening with intense panic, breathlessness, sweating, and a racing heart, often occurring two to three hours after falling asleep.
While children usually remember little of the episode, the experience can be unsettling for observers. These episodes often arise when a child is overtired or sleeping in an unfamiliar environment.Most kids experience only a few night terrors, though some may have them more frequently.
In adults, night terrors are linked to mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, and there’s a notable association with post‑traumatic stress disorder. Though not immediately dangerous, the underlying causes often require professional treatment.
2 They Are Fussy Eaters
Early childhood frequently brings about strong food preferences, with toddlers often refusing anything beyond a narrow selection of familiar foods—a phase that typically fades after a few years.
Some adults, however, retain an obsessive focus on food that can evolve into serious mental‑health conditions. While anorexia and bulimia are well‑known, lesser‑known disorders also exist.
Rumination disorder compels sufferers to regurgitate and rechew their meals, while avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) leads individuals to eat insufficiently without concern for weight or body image.
Both conditions can dramatically diminish quality of life, impacting nutrition, social interactions, and overall wellbeing.
1 They See Monsters Under The Bed
Almost every child has, at some point, been terrified of monsters lurking beneath the bed or inside the closet—a fear amplified by movies like “Monsters, Inc.” that turn the unknown into a source of terror.
Teraphobia, the fear of monsters, affects nearly 100 % of children but fades for most as they reach puberty. Temporary spikes can be triggered by scary films or ghost stories, usually subsiding within days.
For a minority, however, the dread persists into adulthood, evolving into a full‑blown phobia that can impair daily functioning.
Treatment typically involves cognitive‑behavioral therapy and, in some cases, antidepressant medication. Simple strategies—like leaving a night‑light on—can also provide immediate relief.