Child Star Syndrome" So many former child actors reach their teens and end up in the headlines as they lose control of their lives. Some face pressure from parents and spend their early years working long hours, trying to achieve stardom. Others are unable to manage all the money, attention, and the glamorous lifestyle as they get older. Many simply find it difficult to grow up under the scrutiny of the media, and as they become adults, their careers often go downhill, or they eventually drop out of sight. However, not all child stars fail under the pressures of fame. Some have shown that it is possible to balance an acting career with a normal life.