Parenting
By Jamie Thompson
Updated: Dec. 25, 2015
Originally Published: Aug. 8, 2015
When you’re a toddler, all you can think about is becoming a kindergartner, ruling the playground at age five. Fast forward to age ten, and suddenly, you’re longing for the freedom of your teenage years. As a teenager, the allure of a driver’s license, college life, and escaping your childhood home propels you forward. Then comes college, where you dream of being the one in charge, earning a living, and making all the decisions.
Finally, you reach what society deems “adulthood”—where the fantasy of being the master of your own life is supposed to come true. You picture yourself as the epitome of confidence, with all the answers, effortlessly navigating life. Perhaps you’re the perfect adult—dressed impeccably, making plans with military precision, and always showing up on time.
If that’s you, feel free to close this page and bask in your perfect life.
For me, however, the moment I crossed into adulthood, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. I found myself longing for the carefree days of being three, when pigtails and pajamas were acceptable attire. Or the thrill of being five, racing around on a Big Wheel. Even my ten-year-old self seemed to have it all figured out, blissfully unaware of the pressures of dating, taxes, or adulthood. College life, with its endless possibilities and late-night pizza, felt like a dream I wished to relive.
I had always assumed that reaching adulthood meant having all the answers and the confidence to make decisions. Spoiler alert: it turns out reality is quite different.
Now at 46, I often feel dwarfed by my parents, lacking their certainty and wisdom. Even though I’m technically an adult, I grapple with more questions than solutions. I second-guess myself constantly and often look to others for guidance. I still ask my mother for fashion advice and stress over family vacation plans until it’s almost too late to make a decision.
Despite our best efforts, we can’t escape our nature. My husband and I often find ourselves making spontaneous decisions, like piling everyone into the car and driving 1,200 miles to Florida in one day—more than once! Each time felt like an epic adventure reminiscent of childhood escapades.
This makes me wonder: would we truly enjoy those picture-perfect family vacations, complete with matching outfits and meticulously planned itineraries? After weighing the effort it takes to create that perfection, I suspect we’d end up feeling let down.
In those unscripted moments of joy and laughter, we are actually shaping our children’s perceptions of adulthood. They’re learning that life is about spontaneity, fun, and adventure, rather than merely about age. Adulthood, as I once envisioned it, is quite different from what I now understand.
So, if you look in the mirror and don’t see a superhero staring back, don’t lose heart. You might just need to redefine what being an adult means to you.
After all the time spent wishing to be grown up, I’ve come to realize my earlier assumptions were misguided. Now, I embrace the adult I want to be—I can dye my hair bright colors, wear ripped jeans, and serve breakfast for dinner without a hint of guilt. I’m still a loving partner and parent, culminating each day in a cozy family cuddle on the couch. And yes, I can even hop on a Big Wheel if the mood strikes me. Age is irrelevant; it’s about how we choose to live our lives.
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Summary: The article explores the myth of adulthood and the misconceptions surrounding it. It reflects on how society portrays growing up as a destination filled with confidence and answers, while the reality is often filled with uncertainty and nostalgia for simpler times. Embracing spontaneity and redefining adulthood can lead to a fulfilling life at any age.
Keyphrase: The Myth of Adulthood
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