Sharing is caring: Creating a childhood

Last updated: 08/09/2015 15:26 by EmmaKelly to EmmaKelly's Blog
Filed under: MummyBloggers
You know those memories you have of your childhood – those silly but special ones that stick with you forever? We all have them if we’re lucky. My parents gave me the gift of a fantastic childhood and it’s funny what stays with you.
 
As a child of the 80s, my fond recollections are of holidays to Donegal beaches, where one minute the sun would be shining and 30 seconds later, the rain would pelt down. It didn’t matter, though, because your mum had the egg and onion sandwiches ready along with a can of warm Fanta.
 
pending long Easter holidays in my cousin’s house, which seemed like a mansion to little seven-year-old me, playing hide and seek, dressing up as Madonna and using a tennis racket as a pretend guitar, while singing into a hairbrush. Yes, we were kids of the 80s all right. Back to the Future, The Goonies, Yo-Yos and Supernoodles!
 
I was thinking recently about the type of childhood I want to give my children. Of course it goes without saying that I hope they have a feeling of safety, happiness and of being loved without condition. That comes naturally, you want to keep them safe, happy and loved. But what about the other things? The ‘silly’ things, the experiences, hobbies and diversions that you just want to share with them?
 
My parents gave my brother a love of sport, me a love of books and words, as well as artistic pursuits. They encouraged this all the time, from buying me art-related/craft toys to encouraging me to pursue A-Level Art.
 
My love of eye make-up, Neil Diamond (don’t laugh), musical theatre, New York, old buildings and gaelic football matches were all instigated by my parents in some small (or big) way. So what important (and trivial) things in this crazy world do I want my children to experience or appreciate? Here are a few…
  1. Travel to as many places as they can.
  2. Enjoy seafood and sushi
  3. See a West End/Broadway show
  4. Play sport – any sport as long as they love it
  5. Watch Dr. Who (geek!)
  6. Dress up every Halloween
  7. Go to concerts
  8. Play a musical instrument (preferably the drums although I may regret that one!)
  9. Read the Lord of the Rings and To Kill a Mockingbird
  10. Teach them to crochet, paint and do crafts.
I’m sure I could write 100 things on that list (oh, there’s a project for me!) as there are just so many weird and wonderful things that I want my children to experience – a well-rounded and happy life makes for a well-rounded and happy person in my book. 
 
Emma Kelly is a Belfast-based mum of two little ones and an English teacher by trade. Life is currently a happy juggle of nappies, toddler fun, constant dieting and the (more than) occasional glass of wine!
 
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