When my father sees this article, he’ll likely remind me that he was more of a beatnik than a hippie. That’s just how deeply ingrained the counterculture mentality was in our family. Regardless, my upbringing was anything but conventional. I spent my early years gallivanting around barefoot on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard, and I can boast that we relocated 13 times by the time I hit my teenage years. My parents were always on a quest to discover themselves, reshape the world, and explore new horizons.
We were genuine flower children, far removed from the commercialized versions that popped up in the ’90s with their plastic accessories and trendy attire. We consumed tofu and soy milk long before they became mainstream staples—back when you had to seek out a specialized health food store that was often miles away.
Here’s how to tell if you were raised by free-spirited parents:
- The day John Lennon passed away was a monumental event in your household. Your family huddled around the flickering black-and-white screen, and it was the first time you witnessed your parents weep. It felt akin to losing a family member; John (yes, he was on a first-name basis in your home) had been serenading you since before you were born. The disbelief still lingers.
- You were practicing “clean eating” and steering clear of “processed foods” before those phrases were popularized. Sugary cereals? Not in your house. I vividly recall visiting a friend’s home and being tempted by Lucky Charms, only to feel guilty as I watched the milk transform into a pink hue thanks to Red No. 2.
- You were practically indoctrinated into Dr. Bronner’s philosophy, bathing in his refreshing suds while chanting “All one! All one!” as your mother tended to your hair.
- You found Alex P. Keaton both intriguing and perplexing. How could someone so charming align with the Republican Party? You pondered the chaos that might ensue if you ever married him.
- Your mother’s worn-out copy of Our Bodies, Ourselves became your guidebook during your preteen years. While your parents discussed sex openly, they handed you this book for deeper insights into topics like orgasms, birth control, and natural childbirth when you were barely into your double digits.
- You initially concealed your admiration for the Material Girl, as she seemed to embody everything wrong with capitalism. Upon hearing about Richard Marx, you innocently wondered if he was a descendant of Karl and whether he shared similar views on religion (and when you might be old enough to date him).
- Forget Cheetos and Doritos; your snack time consisted of sunflower seeds on the wicker coffee table. If you were lucky, you might indulge in a carob-covered rice cake, which was considered a special treat.
- Your mom was the first to learn about your first sexual experience, and she remained privy to all the details of your teenage escapades for years (refer to No. 5).
- National holidays left you feeling uneasy. You questioned whether saying the Pledge of Allegiance was appropriate, given the history of Vietnam, slavery, and other American failings that had been instilled in you from an early age.
- You inadvertently shattered the illusions of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy for your classmates on the bus. Your parents had told you the truth, but they neglected to mention that other children were supposed to remain blissfully naïve.
- You secretly tucked a copy of Spiritual Midwifery inside your math textbook, reading it during trigonometry class. You envisioned graduating early so you could join your boyfriend at The Farm and have Ina May deliver your babies (or maybe that was just me?).
- When people mentioned “granola” in relation to the hippie lifestyle, you thought, “What’s the fuss?” To you, granola was simply breakfast.
- In your twenties, you found yourself in therapy discussing boundary issues (see No. 8).
- As a new parent, certain instincts came naturally. If your baby cried when placed in the bassinet, you simply brought them to bed with you—after all, you grew up sharing a family bed. The challenge was explaining the need for consistent nap and bedtime routines to your parents, who had taken you to countless Grateful Dead concerts.
- You weren’t shocked when your first child started addressing you and your partner by your first names. But your heart swelled with joy when your second child called you “Mommy” and “Daddy.”
Like many, I had a wonderfully imperfect childhood. While I value the lessons my nomadic life taught me about diversity and resilience, I also grappled with the disruptions of frequent relocations. There were times I yearned for a more “normal” existence, free from the constant questioning of societal norms.
Now, as a parent, I find myself adopting a more traditional family lifestyle in some respects while still cherishing a bit of that countercultural spirit. I am grateful for the upbringing that encouraged me to question authority, think creatively, and believe in the power of art and love to change the world.
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Summary:
This article explores the unique experiences of individuals raised by bohemian parents, highlighting the cultural influences and unconventional practices that shaped their childhood. From early lessons about nutrition to deep emotional connections with musicians like John Lennon, these signs reflect the impact of a free-spirited upbringing.