My husband asked me this tonight. I had to think about my answer for a
while. Sure, there were things I liked
about being a kid. My parents spent a
lot of time with us, I didn’t have to make hard decisions, and I thought the
world would be a fair place when I grew up.
There were also a lot of things I didn’t like about being a
kid. I didn’t like being told what to do
all of the time, having most decisions made for me, the pressure of having to
be the golden child, or the feeling that most of my life was mapped out for me.
Overall, I have to say I’m happier as an adult than I was as
a kid. I like the fact that I can’t be
forced to go somewhere, or told who I can or cannot be friends with. I like knowing that my life is my own. I don’t have to live up to anyone’s
ideal.
Of course there are things that aren’t quite like I thought
they’d be. Going to work every day isn’t exciting, a mortgage can be very
stressful, and driving really isn’t all that fun. But the trade-off is worth it. Sure, there are stresses and problems, but
there’s freedom. I value the freedom
more than the ability to be care free.
So, yes, I liked being a kid, but I’m very glad childhood
lasts only a small portion of our lifespan.
I wouldn’t want to repeat it.
So what about you, did you like being a kid? Are you happier as an adult, or do you miss
childhood?
