When most kids were playing dress up you were helping a sibling get dressed. When most kids were enjoying a home cooked meal with their family around a table, you were microwaving food that came out of a box. When most kids were getting the latest toys you were worried about if there would ever be a time when money wasn’t an issue,

If you ask any student if they are stressed right now more than likely a majority of them would say yes. Then if you follow it with the question of what the main reason is, most would say school or relationships. I have previously discussed the pressures in our society of growing up too fast due to the media and the pressure of school, but I also want to address another spectrum of that; growing up too fast but not by choice. This is for those people who learned to do it all on their own and were stripped of the luxury most had as a child.

In a normal situation many kids were worried about what games they’d play that day, what snack they would pack for lunch, what their parent cooked for dinner that. Not everyone was that fortunate and missed most of their childhood because they were focused on “big kid” problems.

There are many issues regarding children having to grow up too fast. Some of us experienced pain and confusion before we were even old enough to learn multiplication problems. I didn’t grow up with that family that lived in a two story house with a stay at home soccer mom and dinners around the table.

As stereotypical as it sounds, there are people who have that and who grew up in a stable environment. To the people who did, never take it for granted and enjoy those moments rather than resenting spending time with your family. And to those who didn’t, this is for you to know you aren’t alone. This is for the kids who never got an actual childhood. This is for the kids that who knew too much about life too early.

I personally will always feel aggrieved for the things I was unable to experience. Growing up too fast is something I have learned to deal with, but it has made me somewhat grateful. Those who have experienced this too can understand that what happens in the past shapes who you are now. Those who were burdened with growing up too fast will always have a different perspective on everything and will be waiting on other people to catch up. Even if your childhood got cut short, you are immensely strong and this recognition of the accomplishments you have made to get this far.

Sincerely,
Sydney