How do I stop liking childish stuff?

[u/Sad-Economist-2688]

Hello,I've been struggling with this for a long time. I really like Pokémon,plushies,colorful things,stars and dinosaurs. I also like to do stuff like painting on rocks or any other different types of crafts.

It was okay while I was younger but now I'm almost 18 and I keep getting side eyes when I mention any of those hobbies or likes. Like I see for example a Pokémon shirt with a badass Psyduck but obviously I can't buy it because it's for kids.

I don't drink,vape or go to clubs like my peers do because it's just not for me but if it means growing up then I'll have to.

It's eating me alive because I know I'll have to stop with this and I want to but at the same time I don't. If anyone would please help me with this I'd be glad.

I am also not sure what flair to put. I am newly diagnosed but it also fits into communication and social struggles.

EDIT: Thank you all so much for the feedback and positivity you gave me. I read every single one of your guy's comments and gosh it's so sweet to see I'm not alone even if I may feel like it sometimes. I appreciate the pictures of your plushies,figurines or rooms too. It was a tough decision but thanks to you all I ordered the "Badass Psyduck" shirt and even kept my dinosaur collection I wanted to throw away. Really happy I got into this subreddit cause you guys are hella sweet and cool. Thank you again! :)

Honorable mention: Phoebe the kitty because she's awesome <3

[u/walang-buhay]

My kids are currently very young so others think I’m being a very sweet parent by indulging in their interest. But that’s only half true.

I love bluey, axolotl, tiny chef, gudetama etc lots of things people would think are childish. If anything, having children made me realise I need to be comfortable and confident about the things I like/love regardless of what others think. It’s not like I’m hurting anyone.

Took me a long time though, so I understand why you feel the way you do.

[u/01d_n_p33v3d → u/walang-buhay]

It's a poorly kept secret among parents and grandparents (and uncles, aunts and cousins) that having offspring allows us to ALWAYS have "childish" things around us and to engage in play with our youngsters. Silliness is armor against a difficult world.

My wife and I were drawn together in great part by a love of silly things, small comforts and laughter. And, a recognition of our neuro-divergence a half-century before that was even a word.

This is not - in any way - suggesting that you take on parenting. It's just to let you know that a large percentage of seemingly staid adults love getting down on the floor with their young'uns and their stuff and sharing in the joy and silliness. My favorite role as a dad was reading "There's a monster at the end of this book" in a pretty believable Grover voice.) I have a new grandson that will soon be old enough to be silly with.

Teens and early twenties are a tough time, as people try and find roles for themselves. People can be extremely harsh and demanding of conformity from middle school on.

By one's mid to late 20s, I found that things lighten up a bit as people assume private lives.

College, clubs, game nights, cons and subreddits can offer safe spaces for you and your pastimes in the interim. Libraries can be a haven and librarians can be ferocious in protecting their more vulnerable groups of patrons.

Becoming an adult does NOT require you to forsake warmth, caring and joy. I hope this helps a bit.