18 Signs You Had a Better Upbringing Than You Thought
Our childhood plays a significant role in shaping us into who we are today. How we respond to any situation can be influenced by how we grew up.
However, our memories of our childhood are subjective and can be influenced by later experiences. Sometimes, the negative memories can overshadow the positive, leading us to believe our upbringing was worse than it actually was.
It’s important to recognize that our childhood is comprised of both good and bad, and we shouldn’t focus only on the negative side. To help you reassess, we’ve gathered a list of signs that indicate that you had a better upbringing than you thought.
1. Your Home Is Your Safe Place
Your home should be your safe place. It’s the place you go to when you’re tired of the problems the world gives you. Unfortunately, not many children find their home comforting, as they even run away from it.
If you find comfort in your home, it means that you live in a good environment. It’s where your parents make you feel safe, loved, and cared for.
2. You Have Access To Good Education
Not everyone was able to study during their childhood. Even if public schools cost less, not everyone can attend school, as some prefer to work instead to help their family pay the bills. If you have access to a good education, consider yourself lucky.
Apart from being able to attend school, you should also consider yourself fortunate if you had your primary school needs met. These include different clothes to wear, school supplies, lunch money, and modes of transportation. Some might be able to study but have to live within such a low budget that they couldn’t have it all.
3. You Always Have Food on the Table
While often ignored, you should consider yourself lucky if your home always has food on the table. This includes three main meals a day and some snacks.
Do you know how lucky you are when you can quickly grab any snack from your kitchen any time of the day and keep yourself full? Not many families have enough budget to always have food on the table.
4. You Have a Stable Home
It’s hard to move constantly during your childhood. You’ll have to switch to different schools and make adjustments each time you do so. It could be that your family couldn’t afford rent or that your parents have a job that requires your family to move around.
If you didn’t have the experience of constantly moving around, consider your childhood peaceful. It’s great that you don’t always have to pack your things, adjust to a new environment, and make your home feel safe and sound.
5. You Have a Good Set of Clothes
Do you remember having to buy new sets of clothes just because your old ones are so worn out or don’t fit you well anymore? If you do, you have a better upbringing than you thought. Not everyone has the luxury of buying new clothes, even if it’s not their birthday or a holiday.
Some families have to settle for their old clothes until they receive hand-me-downs from others. Some might only rely on thrift stores so that they could have something new. If you could always buy new clothes at the store, you’re lucky.
6. You Were Always Taken Care Of
Not every child has experienced proper care from childhood. Their parents might be too busy or cannot afford a babysitter, and they are forced to leave their children alone while they’re gone.
If you felt loved and taken care of as a child, you had a good childhood. It may not feel like it, but your parents or guardians put in much effort to make sure you’re safe and well under their care.
7. You Have Many Good Memories
Most people have bad memories from their childhood but try to remember the good ones. If you have plenty of good memories during your childhood, consider yourself lucky. Many good childhood memories mean your parents did their best to make you happy and enjoy your youth.
Good memories could be the fun things you did with your family or an enjoyable summer vacation trip. They could also be Friday pizza nights or Saturday board games.
8. You Know Important Life Skills
You should know how to do essential life skills as an adult. It might feel like a chore back then, but it’ll teach you a sense of responsibility as a child.
Knowing how to wash the dishes, do the laundry, set the table, and clean up your mess means you have a good childhood. It means your parents or guardian wants to teach you independence and the ability to look after yourself.
9. You Have Positive Role Models
A good role model as a child will help you be a better adult person. It means you have someone to look up to and try your best to be like them when you grow up. It could be about their career or their attitude towards life.
If you have a positive role model during your childhood, it means you have an excellent environment to live with. It could be your parents, aunt, uncle, or an older cousin. Unfortunately, not everyone has a good role model to look up to, but rather ones they try to avoid turning themselves into.
10. You Can Communicate With Your Parents
Not every child is comfortable speaking to their parents, especially about problems. They tend to share some updates about school but never about issues they’re dealing with. In most cases, they only share their wins, as that’s what gets them praise from their parents.
If you can talk to your parents about anything, consider yourself lucky. It is heart-warming not to have to worry about how your parents will react or change their views of you.
11. You Have a Good Set of Friends
Your childhood revolves around your family and your friends. As you grow up, you’ll make friends that can last you a lifetime.
Having a good set of friends means you have a perfect memory growing up with them. It could be playing by the park, sharing secrets, or enjoying each other’s company. It’s great that you have a good life outside of your home.
12. You Can Freely Do Your Hobbies
Not everyone can do what they want during their free time. Some kids like to do arts, but parents don’t encourage it as it can be expensive and too messy for their homes.
You have an incredible childhood if you can do your hobbies freely and practice them as much as you want. Your parents support what makes you happy and encourage you to do what you love.
13. You Take Extracurricular Activities
Having extracurricular activities outside of school during your childhood is an indicator of a good upbringing. It means that your family supports what skill you want to learn and not lets you feel the burden of costs or figuring out the schedule.
Not every child has the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities during childhood. When I was young, I took swimming lessons and art classes, and they were still the highlight of my childhood, as I enjoyed every second of them.
14. You Were Encouraged To Pursue Your Interests
Surprisingly, not every parent will support their child’s interests, as some may have a fixed path for their child’s future. For example, if they want their child to attend med school, they might not encourage their child’s hobbies like baking or dancing.
If you can pursue your interest, you’re lucky. You can take any classes and never let your parents dictate what lessons you should and shouldn’t take.
15. Parents Are Always Present
I can’t count how often I’ve seen my classmates (and myself) back in grade school to be alone during school events. While their relatives were there, they still wished their parents were with them during the event.
If your parents are always present, you’re very fortunate no matter how small you need them. Not every parent has the luxury of taking a break from their work just to be with you during important moments of your life.
16. No Abuse at Home
While often neglected, if there are absolutely zero signs of abuse at home, consider your childhood to be very fortunate. You’ll be surprised to know that many homes are full of abuse, even with small children around.
Abuse doesn’t only mean a screaming or violent adult; it can also be a more subtle form of emotional abuse. If you live in a peaceful home without worrying about a family member’s reaction, you have a better childhood than most people.
17. Parents Are Happy and in Love
Unfortunately, it’s rare for a child to have a happy and complete family. Many children experience the drama of parents getting divorced and having to choose which parent they want to live with.
Having parents who have been in love and married for years means you have a lucky life. Staying together isn’t enough; seeing your parents happy to be with each other brings joy to your home.
18. Healthy Relationship With Siblings
Apart from your parents, you should also have a good relationship with your siblings. Many families have siblings who constantly fight with each other. However, if you had a healthy relationship with yours, you’re fortunate.
A healthy relationship means you understand and are always there for each other. You have your best friend and someone to talk to when needed. It’s rare for families who have children who are incredibly close to each other, especially when they’re older.
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