BEING ADULTIZED Another strength for an only child is derived from being socialized around adults. Many only children appear both verbally and socially advanced. They may talk very early because they feel encouraged to imitate their parents, and they may develop unusual social poise learning to interact with their parents' adult friends. "How grown up you are!" is a compliment commonly awarded only children who grow up being taught to act adult by the parental company they keep. Only children can be verbally and socially precocious. Building on this social maturity can have decided benefits. The child's unusual poise can give the girl or boy a head start in dealing with the adult social world she or he will someday enter.  It is a decided advantage, as a child, to be able to talk comfortably to grown-ups, to confidently approach adult authorities, to be able to discuss wants with those in positions of sufficient responsibility to help.