When my mother sees this piece, she will quickly clarify that she identified more as a beatnik than a hippie. This highlights the depth of her countercultural ideals. Regardless, my childhood was undoubtedly unique. I spent my early years wandering around barefoot and often without clothes on a beautiful island, then transitioned to a life of frequent relocations across the country. By the time I turned 13, we had moved a staggering 13 times. My parents were perpetually on quests for self-discovery and change.
We were true hippies, not like the trendy versions that appeared during my high school years, complete with plastic accessories and pre-distressed attire. We incorporated tofu and soy milk into our diets before such products were mainstream; finding them required a trip to the only health food store within 40 miles.
Here are 15 ways to determine if you, too, were raised by free-spirited parents:
- The day John Lennon passed away was a profound family tragedy. Everyone gathered around the old television, witnessing the heartbreaking news for the first time. It felt akin to losing a beloved family member, as John had serenaded you since before birth.
- You were introduced to the concept of “clean eating” long before it became a buzzword. Sugary cereals were forbidden in your household, leading to guilt-ridden indulgence at friends’ homes when presented with artificially colored options.
- You might have felt like a devotee of Dr. Bronner’s, enjoying its minty suds while chanting “All one! All one!” during bath time.
- You found the character Alex P. Keaton both alluring and perplexing, questioning how someone so charming could align with the Republican Party, and often wondered what life would be like if you were to marry him.
- Your mother’s well-worn copy of Our Bodies, Ourselves served as your essential guide to adolescence, offering insights into topics like sexuality and childbirth at an unusually young age.
- You initially concealed your admiration for pop stars like Madonna, fearing their commercialism contradicted your values, all while grappling with the notion of if Richard Marx had a familial connection to Karl Marx.
- Instead of traditional snacks, your treats consisted of sunflower seeds or the occasional carob-covered rice cake, making more conventional offerings seem foreign.
- Your mother was always the first to know about significant milestones in your dating life, keeping track of your romantic escapades with surprising detail.
- National holidays left you feeling uneasy, and you questioned the appropriateness of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance given the historical context you had been taught from a young age.
- You unintentionally shattered the myths of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy for your peers, as your parents had been upfront about these tales being fictional—neglecting to mention this knowledge should remain private.
- You stashed a copy of Spiritual Midwifery in your math book, reading it during class and dreaming of an early graduation to join your partner in a commune for birthing.
- When people mentioned “granola” as a symbol of hippiedom, you simply thought of it as a breakfast choice.
- In your 20s, discussions with your therapist often revolved around your relationship boundaries, a legacy of your upbringing.
- As a parent, you instinctively embraced co-sleeping, recalling your own childhood of snuggling in a family bed, while navigating your parents’ expectations about sleep schedules.
- You were initially unbothered when your firstborn called you and your partner by your first names, yet felt a surge of joy when your second child referred to you as “Mommy” and “Daddy.”
Reflecting on my unconventional upbringing, I’ve learned to appreciate the lessons in diversity and resilience it taught me. Despite the challenges of frequent moves, I often longed for a sense of normalcy. Now, as a parent, I find myself adopting a more traditional lifestyle while still cherishing my countercultural roots. I value the importance of questioning authority, embracing creativity, and prioritizing love over materialism.
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Summary:
Being raised by free-spirited parents often comes with unique experiences and values. From an early exposure to alternative lifestyles and philosophies to unconventional family dynamics, these children develop a distinctive perspective on life. While some aspects may feel challenging, the lessons in love, creativity, and questioning the status quo remain invaluable.
Keyphrase: Child of hippie parents
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