Parenting
As the first in my family’s generation to experience pregnancy, I embarked on a steep learning curve from the moment I shared the news. The early weeks were filled with the essentials of parenting: diapers, cribs, and recognizing when my infant was unwell. As they grew, I found myself navigating new challenges, like determining which vacuum could effectively clean up Cheerios without jamming, or mastering the art of substituting “sugar!” for less appropriate exclamations. This journey led me to a surprising realization: I genuinely love being a parent, especially for the way its existential challenges continue to astonish me.
A recent example of this challenge arose when my 5-year-old inquired, “Mom, what is a hippie?” His older brother promptly chimed in, offering, “It’s an old man.” After a quick correction, he attempted to elaborate, describing a teenager with long hair and unique clothing, eventually referencing Shaggy from Scooby-Doo. When he faltered and asked for clarification, the moment became profoundly existential. Even in their youthful innocence, they were grappling with a concept that eluded them—a term steeped in socio-political and historical significance.
In attempting to explain what a hippie is, I quickly realized that context is essential. Today, the two boys on my sons’ baseball teams, with their fashionable parents, don’t comprehend the cultural statement made by those who dared to challenge conventions with long hair and relaxed attire during a time when societal norms dictated otherwise. Images of peace signs and vibrant flowers, often seen on party supplies and clothing, lack the depth of meaning they once held as symbols of a movement striving for gentler, more natural living amidst turmoil.
Reflecting on my own upbringing, I remember associating hippies with negative experiences, such as broken glass at the playground. Yet, as I drive my children around in an SUV, I reminisce about the avocado appliances of the past and ponder the fleeting significance of rainbows. Parenthood has expanded my world beyond mere physical space; it has renewed my perspective on life’s mysteries and wonders through my children’s eyes.
A simple patch of soil, once overlooked, now becomes an object of fascination as my son proudly demonstrates how shaking dirt in a jar reveals layers of mulch, peat, and sand, each representing a unique density. Life itself is filled with unexpected joys, mysteries, and breathtaking moments. On vacations, we marvel at sunsets and art, but my children find beauty in the mundane, reminding me to appreciate the world around us. “Look!” they exclaim, showing enthusiasm for even the simplest flower or a feather found in our home. They transform the trivial—like the term hippie—into something profound that requires reflection.
As I prepared to explain the concept of a hippie, considering how clothing can express feelings or recounting my childhood experiences from the ’70s, my boys’ laughter interrupted. They decided that “hippie” would become their new term for anything peculiar, simplifying the complexity of the world around them.
For more insights into parenting and personal experiences, check out this other blog post. Additionally, for those seeking to enhance their family planning journey, this fertility booster for men comes highly recommended. If you’re looking for an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, this support group offers valuable information.
In summary, the journey of parenthood is filled with existential questions that challenge our understanding of the world. Through our children, we discover new meanings in everyday experiences and learn to appreciate the depth of life’s mysteries.