Childhood phase

Childhood phases are a mechanic for child and teen Sims introduced in The Sims 4: Parenthood. During a childhood phase, children and teens will receive temporary traits that affect their emotions and autonomous interactions.

When a Sim enters a childhood phase, a notification will appear telling the player information of the phase the Sim is entering. During a phase, parents can ask their children about the phase, which will notify of possible actions that can remove the phase more quickly. Some of the phases can also happen to both children and teenagers, though there are few which are restricted to one or the other.

All seven childhood phases grants the child or the teen behaviors that are abnormal. For example, distant Sims receive negative moodlets around family members, while clingy Sims try to stick to them the best they can.