15 Signs You Were Raised by Free-Spirited Parents

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When my mom sees this, she’ll probably remind me that she identified more as a beatnik than a hippie. Classic, right? Even in the counterculture department, she’s got to be unique. Regardless, my childhood was definitely a bit unconventional. I ran around barefoot on Martha’s Vineyard and moved around the country so often that I could boast about 13 relocations by the time I hit my teenage years. My parents were always on a quest for self-discovery, adventure, and making the world a better place.

We were true-blue hippies—not like the ones I saw in high school in the ’90s with their trendy peace-sign earrings and ripped jeans. We were into tofu and soy milk before they became mainstream. You had to hunt for them back then, often trekking to the one health food store miles away.

Here’s how you can tell if you grew up in a similar atmosphere:

1. The day John Lennon passed away felt like a family tragedy. Everyone gathered around the old TV, and it was the first time I saw my parents tear up. Losing him felt like losing a family member—he had been singing lullabies to me since I was in the womb.
2. You were ahead of the game when it came to “clean eating.” Sugar-laden cereals were a no-go in our house. I felt guilty munching on Lucky Charms at a friend’s place, watching the milk turn pink with artificial dye.
3. You practically joined Dr. Bronner’s fan club as soon as you learned to read, enjoying his soap while chanting “All one! All one!” as your mom washed your hair.
4. You found the character Alex P. Keaton intriguing yet perplexing, wondering how someone so charming could be a Republican. You secretly pondered what life would be like if you ran away to marry him.
5. Your mom’s well-worn copy of Our Bodies, Ourselves was your guide to everything, including sex education at an unusually young age, covering topics like orgasms and natural childbirth.
6. You had to hide your fondness for Madonna at first because she felt like a symbol of everything wrong with capitalism. When you first heard of Richard Marx, you wondered if he was somehow related to Karl and whether he shared similar views.
7. Forget about Cheetos or chips—snack time meant sunflower seeds on the coffee table, and for a special treat, you might get a carob-covered rice cake.
8. Your mom was always the first to hear about your romantic escapades. She knew all the details of your teenage love life (thanks, No. 5).
9. National holidays made you a bit uneasy. You questioned if saying the Pledge of Allegiance was appropriate given America’s history.
10. You inadvertently ruined the magic of Santa and the Tooth Fairy for your friends because your parents were honest about it all.
11. You kept a copy of Spiritual Midwifery hidden in your math book, dreaming of running off to The Farm to have your babies delivered by Ina May.
12. When people mentioned “granola” in a hippie context, you were confused—it’s just breakfast, right?
13. In your 20s, you’re discussing your boundary issues with your therapist, thanks to your mom knowing way too much about your teen years (see No. 8).
14. When parenting, certain things come naturally. If your baby fusses, you instinctively bring them into bed with you—after all, that’s how you grew up!
15. You might not bat an eye when your first child starts calling you by your first name, but your heart melts when your second child says “Mommy” and “Daddy.”

Like many, I had a wonderfully imperfect upbringing. While I appreciate the lessons of diversity and resilience, I sometimes wished for a more “normal” life without constant upheaval. Now as a parent, I’ve adopted some traditional family practices while keeping a touch of that free spirit. I feel fortunate to have been raised to challenge norms, think creatively, and believe in the power of love.

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Summary

Growing up with hippie parents comes with its own unique set of experiences, from unconventional snacks to early lessons about love and life. These 15 signs highlight the quirky and enlightening aspects of being raised in a free-spirited environment.