Reflecting on childhood can be bittersweet; while it’s a time filled with innocence, it can also feel like you’re constantly under someone else’s thumb. However, this phase of life is marked by minimal responsibilities and endless possibilities. If I had the chance to start over, here are eleven things I would do differently:
- Let Go of Being the Perfect Child
Always adhering to the rules and being the “good kid” isn’t always enjoyable. Sure, there were consequences back then, but some of those troublemakers certainly looked like they were having the time of their lives. - Reduce Homework Focus
At the time, I believed my parents when they said homework was crucial for my future. Looking back, I realize it didn’t hold as much weight in the grand scheme of things. - Question Everything My Parents Said
My parents often used scare tactics to encourage good behavior, like claiming my future depended on my grades. In hindsight, I see how that was more fear-based parenting than constructive guidance. - Learn to Skate
Many kids learn to skate during those snowy winters, while I mostly learned to fall spectacularly. Now, I have taken my own kids out, and I can confirm that the phrase “the bigger they are, the harder they fall” might need an update to “the bigger they are, the more severe the concussion.” - Master Sewing Skills
My mother had a knack for sewing that made her creations look effortless. Now, as an adult with limbs that tend to be out of proportion, I wish I could fashion clothes that actually fit instead of resorting to whatever I can find in stores. - Trick My Younger Sibling More
I may not have been the most street-savvy kid, but my younger brother was incredibly gullible. I convinced him that any money he found belonged to me simply because I could identify the faces on the bills. Those were some entertaining moments! - Embrace My Parents’ Native Language
Being the seventh of eight children, I was fortunate enough to attend a French school. However, if my parents had spoken Flemish more often, I could have easily picked up a third language to add to my skills. - Overcome My Shyness
I often wonder how many opportunities I missed out on because my shyness held me back. Unfortunately, this trait seems to run in the family, and I’m actively helping my kids work through their own hesitations. - Accept My Family Origins
As a child, I often fantasized about being adopted by royal parents who would come to reclaim me one day. Now, older and looking like my mother, I realize how silly that was and wish I had let go of such fantasies. - Enjoy Indulgent Foods
From childhood until about 18, my metabolism was incredibly fast. I thought I could indulge endlessly without consequence, but I now wish I had savored those treats like chocolate cake and chips more often before everything changed. - Ask More Questions
Perhaps a mix of shyness and a family culture that equated not knowing with weakness kept me from asking questions. I wish I had been more curious about the world beyond my immediate surroundings.
Reflecting on these changes provides insight into my own growth. Life is ever-evolving, and acknowledging the wisdom gained over the years empowers me to face whatever comes next with confidence. For those interested in home insemination options, visiting resources like the Center for Reproductive Health can provide valuable information. And while we’re on the topic, check out this article for insight into home insemination kits.
In summary, contemplating what I would alter from my childhood not only allows me to reminisce but also encourages me to embrace change in my present life.