“What is funner, mom? Tell me the truth. Is it funner to be a child or an adult?” Out of nowhere, Kate popped this question during a bedtime chat. It is a good one.
There are definitely moments that I wish I was a child. For example, before leaving on a trip I find myself packing for two kids, two adults, cleaning up the fridge and ignoring work emails. Kate puts on her pink backpack and announces “I am ready!” When a family friend asks Kate, “What is your favorite subject at school?” Her eyes light up. With pride she says “Lunch.” When she saw me pleased with her handmade happy mother’s day card and a kombucha she bought with all her savings, she added, “It is nice to be a woman, huh?!”
Her world is so pure, fun and easy. I was tempted to give an easy answer to the question. Yes, as an adult, I know more about pain, anxiety, guilt, and a sense of loss at times. But I also fully enjoy my autonomy. I get to decide when to splurge on a cashmere sweater and when to bargain for a 10% teacher’s discount. More constraints are self-imposed as I age. Such as only one Marvel movie each week and no online shopping in the office (the former one takes 90% of my discipline). The children in our house rarely have something to say about what to have for dinner or where we go for a vacation.
The autonomy comes with responsibility and work. It is a fair trade to me.
Kate asked me to tell her the truth. So I told her: “It is nice to have both.” Some days I long for the simplicity of childhood, but having tasted the freedom of adulthood, I wouldn’t go back.
Kate and David are blessed to have you and Chris as their parents! Having loving, caring parents makes all the difference in a child’s life. I, too, grew up thinking childhood was wonderful. Only as I got older did I see that not everyone had the same experience. Money and possessions cannot compare to a loving, nurturing, and stable family life. Treasure your children-their fun childhood will will your adult life “funner” as well!
Thanks my friend! Truly they make my adulthood more fun!!
“Some days I long for the simplicity of childhood, but having tasted the freedom of adulthood, I wouldn’t go back.” Well said! I was blessed with two loving and responsible parents who gave me a wonderful childhood but I enjoy more what I have now: freedom and more sensible happiness:)