As I miss and reminisce the halcyon days of my youth, I can now live vicariously live through my children. They remind me how fleeting life is and to enjoy every single moment of it, however monumental or mundane it may be. There are days when they keep me on my toes, but they keep me young and happy, as there is hardly a day without joy and laughter. Of course, there may be something that they do that either be frustrating or confusing; I never forget that I was once a child, too. Now that I am a mother with two children of my own, I understand what my mom means when she says that when they’re young, they’ll tug on your apron strings and when they’re older, they’ll tug on your heartstrings. How true that statement is! Therefore, I cherish their limited years of childhood, as I know that someday they’ll be on their own, venturing adulthood. And, I’ll miss those days that they were mine.
The Popsicle Rules of Being a Kid
– Even though it can be fun staying up at times, try to go to bed at a reasonable time as much as possible. Once you’re an adult, you’ll cherish and value every moment of sleep, whereas late nights will become a rarity or obsolete altogether.
– Popularity is overrated. Take the time and reach out to the “underdog”, because they need a friend as the next person.
– Keeping that in mind, remember that you’re no better than the next person. We are all created equal, yet there are some people who think otherwise, and try to inflate their value.
– Video games can’t take the place of the sheer beauty of being outdoors. Skip a stone. Use chalk to create a “masterpiece” on the sidewalks or drive. Fly a kite. Play Frisbee. Go “treasure hunting” with your metal detector. Enjoy nature, because it is irreplaceable.
– Don’t idolize celebrities, because they’re people, too, and they’re prone to make mistakes. In fact, don’t idolize anyone, for that matter! Everyone makes mistakes, thus they’re bound to disappoint.
– Don’t wish to be older, because you’ll someday miss your childhood.
– There’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance, but enjoy being a child. Don’t try to grow up too fast!
oh gosh they are too cute.
I love your rule about not idolizing anyone!!
Ha! So many rules to being a kid! Must be nice.
Raijean recently posted..Beauty Report: China Glaze City Flourish Collection x Swatches
I definitely agree with “There’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance, but enjoy being a child. Don’t try to grow up too fast!” My daughter is 13 and still enjoys being a kid and we like it that way 🙂
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs recently posted..The Way To A Grad’s Heart Is Through Their Stomach – Give ‘Em See’s Candies #Giveaway Ends 6/1
LOL, I keep telling my boys to enjoy being a kid because it’s the best years of their lives right now.
These are great messages to share with our boys.
Jennifer H recently posted..Million Dollar Arm – Suraj & Madhur Interview #MillionDollarArmEvent
I love these rules! I’m going to sit down and share with my son!
Melissa recently posted..Diaper Genie Elite Keeps a Room Smelling Clean: Diaper Genie Refills vs. Nursery Fresh Refills
I’m so with you on the being outdoors and just playing! There’s nothing better. My best childhood memories come from that!
Liz Mays recently posted..Denny’s New Adventure Menu for Kids is Weird, Wacky Fun!
I love these!! The popularity one if my favorite, especially since there is so much pressure in school to be liked.
I always tell my boys to enjoy being kids. They grow up so fast.
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom recently posted..Living Comfortably with LBL
Children are God’s greatest blessing! My oldest will be 17 in just a few weeks and though we have one more year before she ventures off to college I can already feel the void she will leave… I have 2 more, and my baby is 7, so my house certainly won’t be empty but each child leaves his or her own footprints, in your house and in your heart. So I embrace everything you share and i LOVE your rules!! WhooHoo!
Valerie Remy-Milora recently posted..Bacon Arugula Scramble
Aww, what cuties! And isn’t it true about wishing to be older? When you’re a kid you just want to grow up, and when you grow up, it’s like, “Uh-oh! Wait! I don’t want to get older anymore!” LOL!!
Man this one was hard for me … “There’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance, but enjoy being a child. Don’t try to grow up too fast!”
I had to accept that when they pick out their clothes it isn’t what I would pick out. I am sure teachers think I can’t match but oh well, they are growing their independence!
Oh your rule about wishing to be older is so true! I remember wishing I was older and my boys are already doing the same thing. We keep telling them to enjoy growing up!
robyn recently posted..Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese
I love these rules!
Great rules! I actually think some adults would do well to read them. Your kids are so cute!
Kimberly Grabinski recently posted..Manage Your Life, Online, with RoboForm
How adorable- great article!
Emily recently posted..Bing in the Classroom: Free Program for Schools
Oh to be a kid again, right?
Lisa recently posted..What is your biggest laundry odor challenge?
I LOVE all of your rules! I wish I would have known them when I was a kid!
Shell Feis recently posted..Making Time for Womenâs Health at Walgreens
Love your rules! I tell my kids all the time to enjoy these years because they won’t last long!
Cara recently posted..Quick and Easy Gluten Free Nutella Crepes
I love your rules! They embody the very values I try to instill in my kids every day :).
Lucero De La Tierra recently posted..Puritan’s Pride Summer Giveaway, ends 6/3
I think being an older mom, I realized right from the start how fleeting time is and really try to appreciate all the little moments. My son just graduated from elementary school yesterday and it seems like just last week he was a baby. Sigh. Great rules!
Donna recently posted..Atlantic Luggage and a Family Trip for 4 Sweepstakes #spon
Love this! I agree — be true to yourself!!
Kait recently posted..Save on Gas this Summer with Kroger Fuel Points
I wish there were more neighborhood kids for mine to play with. I loved playing outside when I was younger.
Paula @ Frosted Fingers recently posted..Show Dad You Care on #theother364
Time certainly does fly and I absolutely adore the rules of being a kid. In fact, they should become the rules for adults as well.
Marcie W. recently posted..Maleficent Movie Review
Take naps!! As a kid you need the rest to have the energy to play hard — as you get older you’ll wish you could still take them!
Alison recently posted..What #BlogHer14 Taught Me
Be true to yourself is SUCH a good one. I love that!
Krystal’s Kitsch recently posted..A Card Fit For a Shark Expert #TrendyCards #shop
If only there was a way to make our little ones understand. You certainly have a profound appreciation for these rules when you become parents!
Nicole – DC Thrifty Mom recently posted..Celebrate Bao Bao’s FIRST Birthday! ∙ Smithsonian’s National Zoo
I agree about not wishing to be older. I loved my youth!
Jen – Life With Levi recently posted..Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy
The one about not growing up too fast – I’m already telling my 2 and 3 year old girls not to be in such a hurry. Even if we’re not trying to rush them along, others in the world are, or they figure it out for themselves. Sigh. Treasure every moment that you can.
Melissa @ Home on Deranged recently posted..Sweet smelling, binky carrying Nenuco baby dolls enhance imaginative play
I love your rules, especially about sleep! My kids resist naps and I always tell them “enjoy them while you can!!”
My #1 rule is to let your imagination run free! Im love to encourage reading and crafts when my kids are going stir crazy during the summer. Nothing is better than being lost in the world of a book!
Ashleigh @ Being Cheap is Easy recently posted..New Book Alert: Stewie Boomstein Starts School
My rule for being a kid is to find the FUN in everything!
My son’s favorite rule for being a kid is: never be afraid to be different from those around you.