Childhood is an important part of the human experience. Our extended maturity period has been cited many times as part of why we are the smartest species on the planet (albeit not always the wisest).

Even when science fiction writers venture outside the humanoid, we tend to assume that an extended period of development, both physical and cognitive, is a requirement for a sapient species.

Is this true, or is this our native anthropomorphism rearing its ugly, but understandable head.