Nature or nurture - that is the question. Methinks it is both, but I tend to lean a little more towards nature, though of course, nurture is critical too. Cognitive dissonance. "Children aren't born bad," my husband says. But, is there truth in the old term, the bad seed?
I don't know the answers, but look at that little oppositional brat to the right. The personality already forming - a non-conformist or perhaps, a free-spirit? Always fighting against something; swimming upstream, walked different paths and did not follow or lead, because I did not care what others did. Rebel without a cause?
I wish I had not been like that. Wish I were not an introvert. I was a wild child. Roamed the countryside and neighborhoods, quiet and observant. My business, as an adult, was Wild Child Designs. There is hope for those children. They can succeed in life, but woe to the parents that must deal with them.
28 comments:
Wished you had not been a nonconformist, introverted wild child that followed her own path? Sounds like all the characteristics you mention add up to one fascinating, unique and free spirited woman!
So sweet of you Amanda, to put it that way. I think I just wanted to be like (seemingly) everybody else. I did have my carefree moments, but remember being a serious child.
"Always fighting against something..."
That was my youngest daughter. It is Emily, her daughter. I have lived nature, not nurture; my youngest was her walking, talking father. I think, in spite of playing all her get out of jail free cards, Emily will land right side up.
Adorable!! What a charming pic Donna.. My daughter found a pillow one day..that said..Stay Wild Moon Child:)She loved it:)You should get it..
the dress..the gloves..and I remember those headbands!
I grew up 1 of 3, raised the same and all 3 completely different. Nuture a factor, but it's nature that sets the tone.
I am sure she will Joanne.
Aw Monique. I have stayed much the same - just older and wiser. We had to dress up for church my entire life. I was shocked when I went back later in life and everyone was in jeans.
I think you are right. My sister and I are night and day.
I think nurture definitely helps shape us, but I don't think it changes who we are at our core. And being a free spirit leads to a person that is creative and capable of thinking for themselves and in doing so helping others. So, kudos, free spirit.
The Spirited Child - Wild Child - Love it! We are born into this world with our own distinct personalities. Some get squashed and others wriggle free from constraints. Some are content to just be what is expected of them, while others yearn to escape and evolve. My favorite saying for raising children: Give them roots, then give them wings.
I think we are born into this world with who we are. Hopefully we learn how to adapt in this world. Some do and some don't.
I think you are very spirited and extremely outstanding in so many pursuits.
Adore the wonderful photo of you. You are so lucky to have it all my photos were burned along with the house in a wild fire.
my used to say that she was pushing my older sister out with one arm and holding me back with the other. I used to believe in nurture over nature until I had kids.
Wild and thoughtful, but I wouldn't have wanted to raise me. My parents didn't know what to do with that kid. From climbing the tallest trees to out running my Mom when I got old enough; I could go on and on. But, I did finally realize that all those experiences are what made me.
I love that Ry. Oh, did I have wings.
Another friend doesn't have photos :( I've spent the week going through way too many photos, boxing them all up for each family member. Oddly, I don't dwell on the past. Hubby says it was too painful, but that's not exactly true. I don't think about the future either. Not sure what that says about me.
I do think we are who we are. At least that's my excuse.
There are four of us in the family. We are all pretty unique. My sister and I sound the same, and have similar senses of humour, but that's where it ends. We are completely different in our choices of employment, sense of style, child-rearing practices, partners, management of money... yet, we were raised by the same parents. -Jenn
Yes, Jenn. I concur. That being said, I think as parents we change too and each child is reared at a different stage in parental development.
I so agree, with all going on in the world and in general I want to enjoy today.
Saying that, I would love to have my family photos. I just have a few of my Mum and Grandparents.
Hello Donna, This is a very interesting subject and I enjoy reading the comments from your various readers. As one of seven children, I can say that we are all very different and yet some family traits are there.
Hope you have a lovely weekend
Helen x
So nice to hear from you Helen. There were four in my family and I had three. So many factors at play in 'growing up.' Hope your weekend is a good one too.
What a fantastic picture, Donna! I think those of us that have gone against the grain do tend to go through life with a few more splinters than those who are more conformist. I bet you had fun along the way, though, right?
There are a few photographs of me like that I'm afraid Donna !!!!! XXXX
Oh yeah. Felt everything. Heightened awareness, uber sensitivity; lots of plusses and minuses.
Not uncommon, I believe Jacqueline.
Lovely picture and post! Everyone is unique, my children are very different! Sarah x
So true Sarah. It boggles the mind that we are all different, yet much the same.
I think you've turned out well, Donna! Fascinating to look at and interpret old photos. My mother wanted a conformist and always told me what hard work I was. I believed her well into adult life. Happily my father enjoyed his contrary daughter! I'm glad that my two are 'spirited' characters, not always easy but always absolutely wonderful. I think it is mostly nature overlayed -or not- by nuture.
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