My daughter embodies a distinct wildness that sets her apart from her peers. Although she doesn’t exhibit traits like hissing or climbing on all fours, there is an undeniable essence of ferocity within her. She arrived into this world with a fierce spirit, leaving me unprepared for the monumental task of nurturing such an untamed child.
Addie, my daughter, is reminiscent of that adventurous toddler we’ve all seen at the playground, fearlessly scaling the monkey bars and leaping into the air like a mini daredevil. Her swings reach such heights that I often envision her, cartoon-style, soaring into the sky with an exuberant “Weeeee!” Once she began crawling, her next mission was to climb everything in sight—bookshelves, dressers, counters—anything that offered a vertical challenge. After baby-proofing our home to the extreme, it resembled more of a fortress than a cozy living space. We secured heavy furniture to the walls to prevent it from toppling over during her daring escapades.
Before she was even old enough for a big girl bed, we abandoned the crib. Even as an infant, I would find her perched atop the crib bars, looking as determined as a mountaineer scaling a peak. At 8 months old, she stood defiantly in her high chair, as if declaring, “I will not be contained!” Straps were futile against my little escape artist. The first time I placed her in a bike seat, she simply said, “Just go fast.”
She has a penchant for discovering trouble. Upon entering any home, she zooms toward electrical outlets, always seeking something—preferably metallic—to insert into them. I contacted Poison Control numerous times during her early years, not due to negligence but because her inquisitive nature would lead her to grasp flowers or plants during our walks, often testing their edibility. My frequent calls led to a friendly rapport with the operators, particularly with a woman named Lisa. Eventually, I smartened up and created a visual guide of toxic plants to mitigate risks during our excursions. There were also instances when she would consume the “Do Not Eat” packets from shoe boxes, which, according to Lisa, are surprisingly safe.
She has experienced her fair share of mishaps: a broken arm from the monkey bars, stitches from an unforeseen flying object, and even an incident involving a Sharpie marker. During walks with our dog, I had to manage both her and our Pomeranian on leashes, often facing judgment from other parents who didn’t understand that my adventurous daughter would sprint toward the nearest flower or bush if given the chance.
Much like Mowgli from The Jungle Book, she exhibits a profound affinity for nature and thrives on adventure rather than adhering to societal norms. She entered this world with a vibrant roar, and her spirited nature remains unwavering.
Addie’s thrill-seeking tendencies extend beyond mere exploration; she often devises plans that would never cross the minds of other children. At her third birthday party, when gifted a baby doll, she and her friends took it upon themselves to dunk the doll in the toilet before rolling it in cat litter. It was evident who had masterminded this unique experiment. She is frequently the instigator of ideas that push boundaries, from giving haircuts to fellow playmates to encouraging others to embrace their wild sides. While we have lost a few friendships along the way, I hope they appreciated the fruit basket we sent as a peace offering.
Just like her jungle counterpart, Addie prefers outdoor adventures and often runs around in nothing but her underwear, even during winter. If I had a nickel for every time I exclaimed, “Addie, put on some clothes, the delivery person is at the door!” I would be quite affluent.
Despite her wild antics, she possesses an affectionate and kind demeanor, showing signs of growth as she approaches ten years old. She’s developed a sense of caution and common sense, which is a welcome change. While her fearless approach to life has frightened me on numerous occasions, it has also taught me to view challenges differently. Where I see peril, she sees opportunity.
Parents of less adventurous children often misjudge those with spirited kids, attributing their behavior to poor parenting. They may discuss their assumptions among themselves, believing that their children’s demeanor is a result of effective discipline. However, I find solace in the fact that many of my friends have encountered similar challenges—those who experienced the “perfect” first child only to face a more challenging second.
One of my friends shared her own revelation: initially proud of her parenting with a compliant son, she found herself grappling with the spirited nature of her daughter, who seemingly defied the rules. This candid admission brought me joy—not from her struggles but from the understanding that she, too, recognized the uniqueness of a wild child. She expressed that while her son could be dull, her daughter certainly brought excitement to their lives.
While parenting my feral girl is undeniably challenging, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. She has taught me to embrace the unpredictable and to find joy in the wild aspects of life. The world needs its spirited children, those who challenge norms and add excitement to the mundane. My daughter has shown me that rather than fearing the risks of life, we can aspire to the heights of possibility.
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Summary
This article explores the author’s experiences raising a spirited daughter who embodies wildness and adventure, contrasting her tendencies with societal norms. It highlights the challenges and joys of parenting an unconventional child, ultimately celebrating the unique perspectives that such children bring to life.