There’s a distinct difference between children, and my first child epitomized the model of civility. From the very beginning, she exhibited politeness, grace, and tranquility. She could immerse herself in a pile of books for hours, enjoyed sophisticated tea parties, and would quietly engage with her toys while I prepared dinner or tended to work obligations.
Now, my second child? A whole different story.
This little one is our spirited adventurer, seemingly arriving from a realm where the inhabitants embrace wildness and disregard social norms like etiquette, shoes, and soap. Despite our best parenting efforts, she’s resolute in her quest to remain untamed. Here are ten telltale signs you might also be raising a wild child:
- Bipedal Movement? Not Their Style.
Our middle child seems to prefer the art of galloping on all fours over walking on two feet. It’s quite a sight to see her move like a little horse or cheetah, choosing to crawl, climb, or leap rather than stroll. - Utensils? What Are Those?
Forks and spoons are mere distractions for our wild child. She’d rather forgo utensils entirely, opting instead to eat like a bird of prey—mouth-first, without hesitation. - Dirt is Delightful.
The joy in her eyes when she comes inside caked in mud is hard to describe. Playing barefoot in the yard is her happy place, and the muddier she gets, the better. - Five-Second Rule? Nonexistent.
Our wild child has no qualms about consuming food that has hit the ground. While her older sibling is a germaphobe, she’ll pick up a slice of pizza from the dirt, brush off a few stray hairs, and devour it without a second thought. - Hair? What Hair?
Brushing her hair is a constant battle. If left to her own devices, she’d let it grow into an untamed mane, resembling someone who just emerged from the woods. - Wardrobe Woes.
Her love for moving around on all fours comes with its own set of challenges. She prefers stretchy pants for freedom of movement, but they often end up with holes and stains, as napkins seem to be nonexistent in her world. - Nest or Den? Choose One.
Normal sleeping arrangements are lost on her. Instead, she creates a nest out of blankets and pillows, often opting for a dog bed she bought herself, despite us never having a dog. - Climbing Trees is Essential.
When I call her name and get no response, my first instinct is to check the trees. More often than not, she’s nestled in a plum tree, deeply engrossed in a book or an imaginary game. - Part Animal? Maybe.
At three, she named her baby doll “Horse,” and her fascination with wildlife has only grown. Now, her animal toys are cherished more than any other, and she often wishes she were born an animal instead of human. - Free Spirit Redefined.
These children embody the essence of “free spirit,” blissfully unbound by societal norms. While we strive to guide them toward societal expectations, we also cherish their innate connection to the earth, a quality many of us aspire to.
It may not align with my personality or preferences, but I can respect and appreciate my child’s wild nature.
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In summary, if you find yourself nodding along to these signs, you might just have your own wild child. Embrace their spirited nature while navigating the challenges and joys that come with it.