Growing up is an event that many people struggle with, but everyone experiences. Letting go of things deemed ‘childish’ by society, from Disney princesses to playgrounds. The things that once brought you comfort, that teddy bear you slept with, the baby blanket you treasured, or a night light, turn into things to be ashamed of. But why do they have to be?
Ask yourself why you leave behind the magic childhood holds. Why can’t you hold onto that joy just a little longer? Why not forever? There isn’t a set date or age that sets this change in stone. When exactly does childhood end? When people feel as though they need to leave more ‘ childish’ inclinations behind, does this affect the way that people are able to handle the loss of a time in which they possibly felt safe?
When talking about people having more ‘childish’ inclinations, it’s important to look at a variety of grade levels. Especially in high school, where people come from different points in their lives, from people who are just out of middle school, to people who are now or almost adults. The oldest students here at Horizon are seniors. A senior named Ryah Swan was quick to share her thoughts.
Swan had a lot of points to make, starting off with how her hobbies, though slightly shifted, still go back to their roots of childhood fascinations, things like collecting Monster High dolls and adult LEGO sets are all the craze for Swan right now. When asked about the absence of playgrounds played in Swan’s life she quickly responded, “I miss the days where playgrounds and being outdoors were actually promoted by schools to make sure we could have fun and an outlet to get out some energy during the day.”
Swan stated that the reason things deemed more ‘childish’ were left behind for her was the fact society made her crave the need to feel more ‘adult’ and ‘mature’, Swan shares an emotional realization she made, saying, “I definitely grew up way too fast, leaving many of the things I used to love as a kid behind quite prematurely, but my mental state didn’t really let me linger in that space of my life for much longer. I needed to grow up to keep up with the rapid pacing of life, whether I liked it or not.”
To contrast the feelings of one of Horizon’s students about to graduate, and one of Horizon’s students who just started their journey of high school, taking a look at Apollo Snyder’s opinions is the next step. Snyder is one of many students who make up the school’s freshman student body; as such, Snyder is in a transitional period of his life where society deems childhood as just out of reach. This societal view fueled his responses.
When asked if he still played with toys, Snyder prompted the statement that he, in fact, did, never seeing a reason to leave them behind, as they are something he very much enjoyed. The pressure of society didn’t change Snyder’s ways, but he hints at it having affects deep beneath the surface. As of now, Snyder exclaimed he had zero intention of ever leaving behind things he enjoys, even if they are deemed ‘childish’.
James Philippus, a sophomore at our school, gave a heart-warming sentiment about leaving more ‘childish’ things behind. He states, “I don’t think you should have to. I think you should do what you want, like playing with toys, even to 30. As long as you have fun.” Though one may have to grow up physically and even mentally, that doesn’t mean they have to leave behind their interests.
Rose Wolff, a junior, who has spent her past three years at Horizon, had a lot to say about how technology plays a role in losing interest in childhood hobbies she once had. She proposed that if technology didn’t evolve into a more vast and important thing in today’s world, many people would still be inclined to do things like playing on the playground or playing with toys. She uttered an ‘unforgettable’ statement when asked if she missed anything from her childhood, “Yeah, to just play with cars for like hours because it wasn’t weird and I wouldn’t get told to pick up my stuff.” This longing for this time where she could not only get lost in her imagination but also a time where expectations and responsibilities asked of her were extremely less stagnant.
The age range of when childhood ends isn’t the same for everyone, and maybe for some they never leave behind aspects of it, while others leave behind it all. Regardless of how old you are, it’s always good to have hobbies and things that bring you comfort, who cares if they are more ‘childish’. Sure, you could let judgment and social norms control that, but you don’t have to. Break the cycle, so it doesn’t break you. So when you go home, maybe get your precious stuffie and give them an extra tight hug, turn on Tangled and relax, maybe read some Dr. Suse. Whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable and never ashamed of the things you like.
