Unleashing My Inner Child

There’s a statue on one of the main crossroads of Mumbai of a mother playing with her infant. “A child gives birth to a mother” it profoundly proclaims.

(Image Source)

This week, the blogging team that I’m part of^ is writing about the #ChildWithin. As I racked my brain on how this relates to me, I realised (with a little prodding from my husband) that there has been one recent major life-event that has really helped me to rediscover my inner child.

My son gave birth to a mother…and another child!

The child inside me, that is.

In the midst of all the challenges that motherhood entails, one great thing has been that it has allowed me to explore new facets of my own personality. Being an involved parent, who wants to make sure I provide every opportunity for my off spring to develop as a well-rounded wholesome individual, has meant I’ve had to readjust the lens with which I see the world.

To a child, everything is possible.

To an adult, everything is known.

There are so many ways in which becoming a parent has helped me to unleash my own inner child.

(The playful moments with my son make for the most cherished memories)

I’ve learnt to let go

Don’t you think adults take things too seriously? There have to be plans and backup plans, and backup to backup plans. But having a child literally forces you to live in the moment. There will always be something unexpected thrown at you, whether you’re going for to the park for half-an-hour or headed for a 10-hour road-trip. I’ve realised now that a parent is never ever fully prepared to handle everything the child will do. So, you learn to think on your feet. Get innovative, and find a solution. It’s ok to change a plan midway and still have a great time.

I’ve learnt to hold on

Hugs and cuddles are so very important for happiness of any kid. Biologically speaking, physical touch releases oxytocin, a feel-good hormone, which is a known stress-reliever. I’ve now rediscovered the magical power of my kisses in making little bumps and hurts feel less painful. My child’s love has made me realise that it’s ok to be clingy and take a break from my independent self-sufficient self. I need my hugs too!

I’ve remembered not to deep dive

The swimming pool isn’t just for “exercise that’s easy on your joints.” You can spend a whole day just splashing around and laughing uncontrollably. We all read about water therapy, it’s benefits and the best time and duration to go, blah blah blah. Getting in too deep (pun unintended) into the science behind fun, takes away from the fun sometimes. Instead of worrying about swimming lessons and aqua-therapy classes, I know now that just being in the water is sometimes enough.

I’ve realised it’s okay to be wrong

In a profound and thought-provoking TED talk I recently heard, Sir Ken Robinson questions traditional schooling and how it can kill creativity. He says that if you aren’t prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original. It’s amazing how many times my son’s observations about the way the world works have stumped me. He’s not afraid to look at things from a different perspective. He’s taught me that it’s okay to take chances and not worry about being wrong.

I’ve discovered new worlds inside me

There’s a story-teller in me that can add dragons, superhero, ogres, friendly-gentle monsters, and everything in between, even to a mundane walk-in-the-park story. My imagination has never been so free and wild as it is for bedtime stories. It’s liberating to tell these fantastical tales to my captive audience. And having these hyper-creative sessions has made me a better writer.

I’ve found old ways to be calm

Colouring and its therapeutic effects for adults was probably discovered by a parent who, like me, was handed sixteen different crayons to make a “beautiful tyrannosaurus rex.” If you haven’t yet tried adult colouring books, you should. But that’s not all, my son’s toy room is actually filled to the brim with things that can bring calm to a chaotic mind. Building a lego masterpiece, trying to solve the Rubik’s cube, playing with Jenga blocks, or even solving a jigsaw puzzle. No better way to unwind after a long day at work than to indulge in some kids’ activities.

I’ve embraced my non-conventional self

I’ve always enjoyed animations and so-called kids’ movies. These have of course now have taken a brand new strangle-hold of my entertainment quota. Having a son means I don’t get raised eyebrows when I passionately worry about the Transformers taking on Decepticons, or when I geek out on the latest Marvel and DC summer blockbusters. I care less about people thinking that I’m not mature enough or “not-girly-enough”.

I don’t care if I have two left feet

There are times when a peppy song and a little booty-shaking can alter your mood significantly. Music has always brought me joy, but somewhere along the path to adulting, I forgot the happiness of just turning up the volume and dancing. There’s an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. where Phoebe reminds Rachel about what it felt like to run as a child… you have to just GOOO! I’ve found dancing with my son is a lot like that; he forces me to let go of my inhibitions and just move!

I care enough to ask

Curiosity is perhaps the most cherished of childhood’s treasures. Research shows that adults who ask more questions are more likely to challenge the status quo. But as you evolve in your professional and personal lives, you start to believe that grown-ups are supposed to know all the answers. After becoming a parent, I’ve found that my son’s two-dozen-whys-per-hour have started to rub off on me too. It’s exciting to question why things are the way they are, and to try to find the answers to things I don’t know about.

I often stare at my son as he explores a new skill or tries a new stunt. My mind marvelling at how, not too long ago, he was just an amalgamation of cells. Today this tiny human is changing people around him, tomorrow he’s going to go and change the world. I only hope I’m able to equip him well enough so that he’s able to retain his inner child.