When reflecting on my upbringing, I can’t help but notice how different it was from the traditional norms. My parents, both deeply invested in the counterculture movement, shaped my childhood in ways that were often unconventional. Growing up, I was often found running around barefoot and embracing a nomadic lifestyle filled with constant relocation. By the time I was a teenager, I could proudly say we had moved 13 times. My parents were always on quests for self-discovery, world improvement, and exploration.
Here are 15 indicators that you, too, were raised by parents who embraced a free-spirited lifestyle:
- The news of John Lennon’s passing felt like a profound loss to your family. Gathered around the television, his death marked the first time you witnessed your parents’ tears, as if you had lost a beloved family member. He had been a comforting presence in your life since before you were born.
- You were ahead of the curve when it came to healthy eating, long before terms like “clean eating” or “processed foods” became mainstream. Sugary cereals were simply not an option, and indulging in them at a friend’s house felt like a guilty pleasure.
- You were introduced to Dr. Bronner’s soap at an early age, enjoying the minty scent while reciting his famous phrases during bath time.
- You found characters like Alex P. Keaton both intriguing and perplexing. His charm left you questioning how someone so likable could align with conservative views.
- Your mother’s battered copy of Our Bodies, Ourselves served as your go-to guide for all things related to puberty, relationships, and sexual health well before your teenage years.
- You once felt guilty for enjoying pop music icons because they represented everything your family criticized about consumerism. The first time you heard of Richard Marx, you wondered if he was related to Karl Marx and what his views on religion were.
- While other kids snacked on chips and candy, your snack options were more health-conscious, often involving sunflower seeds or a rice cake covered in carob.
- Your mother was the first to know about your romantic escapades, often knowing the details of your teenage relationships.
- Celebrating patriotic holidays felt awkward, as you grappled with the complexities of American history and the darker aspects of the nation’s past that your parents openly discussed.
- You unwittingly became the bearer of truth, revealing the secrets of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy to your peers, having been taught that these myths were just that.
- You stashed a copy of Spiritual Midwifery in your backpack, dreaming of an early graduation to run off and start a family under the guidance of renowned midwife Ina May.
- You often heard the term “granola” used to describe a certain lifestyle, but to you, granola was simply breakfast.
- In your 20s, discussing boundary issues in therapy was a common occurrence, a reflection of the open communication you had with your parents.
- As a new parent, co-sleeping came naturally to you, having grown up in a close-knit family environment. However, explaining your parenting choices to your own parents proved to be a challenge.
- You were taken aback when your first child called you by your first name, but your heart filled with joy when your second child referred to you as “Mommy” or “Daddy.”
Reflecting on my upbringing, I recognize the value in the lessons learned from a life of exploration and nonconformity. Though I sometimes wished for a more conventional lifestyle, I cherish the resilience and creativity fostered in my childhood. Now, as a parent myself, I find that many of these principles guide my approach to family life. For further insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource at WomensHealth.gov. If you’re interested in an artificial insemination kit, Make A Mom is an authority on the subject, while this other blog post Intracervical Insemination offers additional information.
In summary, being raised by free-spirited parents can lead to an unconventional yet rich life experience. The values instilled during childhood often resonate throughout adulthood, influencing parenting styles and personal philosophies.