When my mother sees this post, she’d promptly remind me that she identified more with the beatnik movement than the hippie generation. That just goes to show how deeply rooted the counterculture spirit was in our household. Growing up, I experienced a unique lifestyle that included running around barefoot and half-dressed on Martha’s Vineyard, followed by a whirlwind of relocations across the country. I often joked that we had moved 13 times by the time I turned 13 (which was spot on). My parents were always on a quest for self-discovery, eager to change the world and explore new horizons.
We were true hippies—not the plastic peace-sign wielding kind that emerged in the ‘90s, but the real deal. I remember eating tofu and sipping on soy milk long before they became mainstream staples. We had to travel miles to find a health food store that stocked our favorite items.
So, how can you tell if you too were raised by flower children? Here are 15 signs:
- The day John Lennon passed was a family crisis. Your household gathered around the flickering black-and-white television, mourning as if you lost a beloved family member. After all, John had been serenading you since before your birth.
- You were on the “clean eating” bandwagon long before it was a buzzword. Sugary cereals? Not in your house. You felt guilty indulging in Lucky Charms at friends’ houses, watching the milk turn an unnatural shade of pink.
- You discovered Dr. Bronner’s soap at a young age, delighting in the minty bubbles while chanting “All one! All one!” during bath time.
- You found Alex P. Keaton both intriguing and perplexing. How could someone so charming be a registered Republican? You often daydreamed about what life would be like if you married him.
- Your mom’s worn copy of Our Bodies, Ourselves was your go-to guide for all things related to sexuality. You were introduced to topics like birth control and natural childbirth at an impressively young age.
- Initially, you hid your appreciation for the Material Girl, seeing her as the embodiment of capitalism. You even pondered whether pop star Richard Marx was related to Karl, and if he shared similar views on religion.
- Snack time didn’t involve chips or cookies; it featured bowls of sunflower seeds on the coffee table. A carob-covered rice cake was your idea of a luxurious treat.
- Your mom was the first to know when you became sexually active, keeping tabs on your teenage escapades.
- Celebrating patriotic holidays felt awkward. You were wary about reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, constantly reminded of America’s historical missteps.
- Unintentionally, you shattered the illusions of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy for your peers. Your parents were open about the truth, forgetting that others might prefer the fantasy.
- You discreetly stashed a copy of Spiritual Midwifery in your math textbook, dreaming of running away to The Farm to have your babies delivered by Ina May.
- When people associated granola with hippie culture, you thought, “What’s the fuss?” To you, it was just breakfast.
- By your 20s, you were discussing boundary issues in therapy, thanks to your open upbringing.
- As a parent, you found it easy to co-sleep with your newborn. After all, you grew up snuggled together in a big family bed, though explaining nap times to your own parents proved challenging.
- You were unfazed when your firstborn began calling you by your first name, but your heart melted when your second child called you “Mommy” and “Daddy.”
Like many, I had my fair share of imperfections growing up. While I cherish the lessons my unconventional upbringing taught me about resilience and diversity, I often wished for a bit more normalcy. Now as a parent, I navigate a blend of traditional and countercultural parenting styles. I feel fortunate to have been raised with a belief in the power of love and creativity, and the notion that challenging authority is essential.
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting, check out this excellent resource: Kindbody Blog and for those interested in at-home insemination, Cryobaby’s kits are a great option!
Summary
The signs of being raised by free-spirited parents often include memorable experiences ranging from unique dietary habits to unconventional parenting styles. Whether it’s your early education on sexual health or your relationship with pop culture, these experiences define a distinctive upbringing that shapes your adult life.
Leave a Reply