Striving to keep the childhood spirit alive

Nov 4, 2015
3 min read

As part of a series, I have asked other women in my life (close and far away) to join AuthenticallyAmy as a guest blogger on the topic #messyperfectlife. In each experience, there is a piece of both. The duality of those is what keeps us learning and growing. Sometimes messy is dominant and sometimes perfect is dominant, but it's always a blend.

Each guest blogger has tackled this topic in their own way--and that is perfect! They are discussing their life moments, glimpses of the successes and failures and more. It's a village, and there is so much power is sharing. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.

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I have been a mother for two and a half years. And I really feel I was born to be a mom. I have fond memories of playing “house” and being a mommy to lots and lots of baby dolls.

So far, I am lucky enough to be mommy to one very special, independent little princess. Well, according to her, she’s a ballerina.

Some people who have gotten to know me say I have an old soul. I think I am just an only child of a single parent who probably experienced things that made me grow up faster than others. And of course, I am so mature for my age ;-).

I can remember at a young age looking up to my friend’s parents and thinking how old they were (HA!) and how they really had their stuff together.

I never really heard these parent’s trying to “keep up with the jones’” or talk about living paycheck to paycheck or come Sunday, how they were dreading going back to work.

And I was paying attention; I believe I was a pretty serious kid that interacted better with adults. I guess that’s why some people wish they could go back to childhood when life was so easy!

I'm one of "those" moms now

I recently celebrated my birthday and some may laugh, but seriously, I had the realization, that I am one of “those” old moms now.

When did this happen? When did I stop seeing the world with wonder, amazement and adventure? Did the mothers from my past feel this same strange way??

Everyone knows that when you become an adult and/or parent, you have to become responsible. You worry, you lose sleep, you want to give your family everything you can. You hope you aren’t screwing up your kids.

Pressure of Raising a nice child

I know I am not alone in this but I feel this huge responsibility to raise a NICE child, yet assertive. A loving child, yet not an overly sensitive one. A responsible child, but not a worrier. A fun-loving child, but not a fearless child.

Did my mom think about this stuff? Or are we at a point where we are over thinking everything? How can I take my family back to the old ways – or the old way I perceived the world?

The simpler days, where you spent all day outside, chasing fireflies and laying in the grass staring at the stars or riding your bike all day pretending to be a police officer… all while keeping my career going strong, making dinner nightly, spending time with spouse/friends/family?

Noticing the negativity in our world

When I became a parent, my eyes were opened to even more of the negativity that is in our world. I have noticed that the media creates drama and creates a sense of fear (that could be an entirely different blog…).

But as a wise friend once told me, you can’t be afraid, you don’t want to hold your child back from experiences you treasure most from your childhood.

So readers, this is where I need you to come in. Because we are a village of parents and caregivers.

What do you remember and treasure most from your childhood that you are damn well going to incorporate in to your family’s lives?

I need old school ideas – not pinterest ideas… no offense pinterst lovers, but I don’t remember any of that in my childhood), because they have faded from my life, my memory. But I know how important they are.