When I became a mother, I never anticipated that I would be raising a child who embodies the spirit of the wild. My daughter, Lily, is not feral in the sense that she crawls on all fours or avoids human interaction, but rather in the way that she defies the norms of childhood. There’s an untamed essence about her, one that caught me off guard and left me facing the incredible challenge of guiding her into a more conventional lifestyle.
Lily is the type of toddler you see at the playground, fearlessly climbing to the top of the monkey bars before leaping off as if she were a daring skydiver. She swings so high that I often envision her soaring through the air, joyfully exclaiming, “Weeeee!” From the moment she learned to crawl, she was on a mission to climb everything in sight—bookcases, counters, you name it. After baby-proofing our home, it felt more like a fortress than a cozy space. We secured every heavy piece of furniture to the walls to prevent her from turning our home into a chaotic jungle gym.
Long before she was ready for a big girl bed, we made the leap from crib to bed. Even as an infant, I would walk into her room to find her perched atop the crib bars like a mountaineer reaching the summit. At just 8 months, she stood in her high chair, displaying an expression that clearly conveyed, “I will not be held hostage by pureed peas!” Restraints were futile against my little escape artist. The first time I placed her in a bike seat, she looked straight at me and said, “Just go fast.”
She has an uncanny ability to locate hazards upon entering any home; electrical outlets are her immediate target, and metal objects are her preferred tools of exploration. I found myself calling Poison Control more times than I could count during her early years—not from negligence, mind you. Every hazardous item was locked away, yet she would still manage to grab a flower or leaf during our walks and pop it into her mouth, leading to many frantic calls to Theresa at Poison Control. I eventually became so well-acquainted with her that I started printing out a list of poisonous plants to keep track during our adventures.
Lily has had her fair share of scrapes and bruises: she once broke her arm on the monkey bars and needed stitches after an unfortunate encounter with a wayward toolbox (don’t ask). On our outings with our dog, I had to leash her alongside our Pomeranian because, like a curious puppy, she would dart off to explore the nearest flower bed. I could feel the judgment of other parents as I managed my wild child and our dog, but they didn’t understand that left to her own devices, Lily would run straight to trouble—just like any adventurous soul would.
Much like Mowgli from The Jungle Book, she is drawn to nature and the thrill of the unknown, prioritizing exploration over safety. Her birth was fast and loud, a fitting introduction to her vibrant personality.
Her adventurous nature doesn’t end with physical feats. She concocts ideas that most children wouldn’t even dream of. At her third birthday party, when gifted a baby doll, rather than nurturing it, she and some friends decided to give the doll a bath in the toilet and then roll it in cat litter. Walking in on this scene, I knew right away who was behind this creative chaos. Lily is often the mastermind, the one who encourages her friends to embrace their wild sides.
Her free spirit extends to her preference for outdoor adventures, often opting for nature over clothes—even in winter! If I had a dollar for every time I shouted, “Lily, put on some clothes, the mailman is here!” I’d be a wealthy woman.
Despite her wildness, she is incredibly affectionate, kind, and has a great sense of humor. Now that she’s ten, she’s developed a bit of caution, which is a relief. While I admire her fearlessness and zest for life, it has certainly caused my heart to race more times than I can count.
Those without wild children may not understand the unique challenges of parenting a spirited kid. They might assume it’s a reflection of poor parenting, but I know better. Many of my friends have faced similar challenges with their own children, and it’s a relief to share these stories. One friend, Sarah, once said, “I thought I was such a great mom with my son, who was sweet and obedient. Then came my daughter.” The bitterness in her tone was palpable. “She’s stubborn and doesn’t fear consequences! I can’t control her!”
I took comfort in her words, not because she struggled, but because she understood. She had the perfect child who played nicely, but then the wild child, who brought a whole new level of excitement to her life.
In the end, even though parenting my spirited daughter is challenging, I feel blessed to have her in my life. She has taught me to embrace life’s unpredictability and see the world through her adventurous lens. Instead of fearing the unknown, she sees opportunities to soar. I can’t imagine life without these vibrant, spirited children who bring chaos and excitement to our lives.
For more insights on parenting and navigating the wild journey of raising children, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. If you’re interested in at-home insemination options, Make A Mom offers reputable kits. For those seeking more information on pregnancy and related topics, the World Health Organization is an excellent resource.
In summary, raising a wild child presents its own unique set of challenges and joys. While they may push boundaries and defy expectations, they also inspire us to embrace life with fervor and creativity.
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