Both of my kids came into this world with a zest for life that can only be described as wild. Their movements are energetic and untamed, and their sounds range from joyful shrieks to exuberant giggles. Their emotions overflow with intensity; they feel deeply, love fiercely, and live passionately. Yet, I must admit, this spirited nature can sometimes leave me exasperated. I often find myself pondering, who are these little beings, and where did they come from?
Take, for instance, the time I glanced out the window and spotted my youngest daughter perched precariously 20 feet up in a pine tree. Or the moments when her voice reaches an astonishing pitch, leaving me to wonder if only dogs can hear it. My eldest son has been restless since his very first moments, frequently acting on impulse, much to my chagrin. His dramatic expressions are something I can relate to, as I, too, am prone to grand emotions.
I can’t quite tell if it’s the boundless energy of youth or if they are indeed descendants of adventurous creatures, but their loud, boisterous, and impulsive behavior has a primal quality that often feels otherworldly. Understanding their antics can be a challenge, especially when it comes to balancing the need for civility with the desire to preserve their innate wildness. I worry that society will try to suppress their exuberance, making them feel like they need to conform to a more subdued mold.
What truly frightens me is the possibility that in my quest to teach them appropriate behavior, I might inadvertently stifle their free spirits. Despite my occasional wish for them to simply tone it down, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe at their fearless approach to life. They act on instinct, rarely overthinking their choices. While this can lead to trouble, it also fosters friendships, encourages them to participate in sports, and inspires them to reach new heights—both literally and figuratively.
I admire how they express their feelings so openly, showering me with long hugs and sloppy kisses. Their willingness to try new things without fear is infectious. They live each moment to the fullest, seemingly unburdened by societal expectations. Honestly, I sometimes wish I could emulate their carefree spirit. I wish I could voice my thoughts more freely and express my emotions without hesitation. It would be liberating to take risks without the constant fear of failure, to trust my instincts rather than defaulting to the ‘accepted’ path.
I certainly want my children to grow into kind-hearted individuals (and they already are), but I don’t wish to strip them of their wild essence. There’s a delicate balance to strike, and I do my best to teach them manners without suppressing their vibrant spirits. I often have to hold back my urge to shout, “Can’t you just be quiet?” or “What on earth are you doing?” I try to overlook the messes they create—whether it’s on their clothes, on their faces, or around the house.
Our home serves as a sanctuary for their unrefined behavior, aware that the world outside has stricter standards for what’s considered acceptable. Here, they can be loud and even let a curse word slip now and then without fear of judgment. They can toss balls in the living room, race their scooters down the hallway, and engage in epic pillow fights. In short, they can revel in their wildness, and I hold my breath, hoping they don’t get hurt or cause too much chaos.
Ultimately, I cross my fingers and pray that they retain that spark of wildness. I genuinely believe that their fearless, passionate nature has the potential to change the world, even if it drives me a little bonkers in the meantime.
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Summary
The author reflects on the wild and untamed nature of her children, acknowledging both the challenges and joys that come with their exuberant personalities. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing their free spirits while also teaching them appropriate behavior, striking a balance that allows them to thrive.