Adult

An adult is a fully grown person or animal. For humans, this means their body and mind are ready to care for themselves and help others. When animals grow up, they are also called adults. They can make babies and take care of themselves.

Becoming an adult can feel different in different places. In many places, people become legal adults at age 18. This means they are treated as independent and can make their own choices. Some places have different ages, like 19 or 21, for certain choices.

Different cultures have special events to mark becoming an adult. For example, in Jewish tradition, boys become adults at age 13 and girls at age 12 through a ceremony called the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. This ceremony teaches them about the Torah and important practices.

Being an adult means taking responsibility for many parts of life. It includes making choices, handling money, and helping others. Scientists are still learning about when the brain is fully developed, showing that growing up is a journey.