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I Gave Birth to a Wild Child
My daughter is a wild spirit. Not in the way that she crawls on all fours or hisses at strangers, but more in the sense that she’s unlike any other child. There’s an untamed essence about her that I never anticipated when I embarked on the journey of motherhood.
From the moment she could walk, Addie was the kid at the playground who would clamber up to the highest point of the monkey bars and leap into the air like she was auditioning for a cartoon. She swung so high on the swings that I imagined her soaring into the sky with a gleeful “Weeeee!” As soon as she learned to crawl, she was off climbing everything—shelves, counters, you name it. Our home transformed into a fortress, baby-proofed to the max, with everything tethered to the walls to prevent her from turning our place into an obstacle course.
We ditched the crib long before she was ready for a big girl bed. Even as a baby, I’d walk in to find her perched atop the crib bars, and by eight months, she was standing in her high chair with a defiant look that clearly said, “I will not be restrained for mere peas!” Straps didn’t stand a chance against my little escape artist. The first time I put her in a bike seat, she deadpanned, “Just go fast.”
She was the kid who would enter a house and head straight for the electrical outlets, on a mission to find something metal to poke them with. I called Poison Control a staggering 15 times in her first two years, and trust me, it wasn’t from a lack of supervision. All hazardous items were securely locked away, but she still managed to find flowers on our walks to munch on. My frequent calls earned me a familiarity with the operators; I could almost hear Theresa rolling her eyes every time I called. Eventually, I got smart and created a guide of poisonous plants we might encounter, just to keep her from requiring an ER visit. And don’t get me started on the time she decided to snack on the “Do not eat” packets from shoe boxes—thankfully, those are non-toxic, or so Theresa assured me.
From shoving Mexican sage up her nose to munching on a Sharpie, to breaking her arm on the monkey bars—my daughter has kept me on my toes. Walking our dog was a circus act of its own; I had her on one leash and the Pomeranian on another. The judgmental glances from other parents didn’t bother me; they didn’t understand that my child, like a puppy, would dash across the street for a marigold if given the chance.
She’s like a little Mowgli, drawn to adventure and chaos rather than routine and safety. She made her grand entrance into the world with a bang and hasn’t slowed down since.
Her adventurous spirit goes beyond just seeking thrills. At her third birthday party, when she received a baby doll, most kids would cradle and feed it, but Addie took it to the bathroom, along with some friends, to dip it in the toilet and roll it in cat litter. I didn’t need to ask whose idea that was; I knew she was the mastermind. She’s the one who cut her friends’ hair and encouraged her peers to embrace their wild sides. It’s no surprise we’ve lost a few friends along the way—sorry, you know who you are!
Much like Mowgli, Addie prefers to pee outdoors and embrace the elements, often running around in just her underwear—even in winter! If I had a dollar for every time I yelled, “Addie, put on some clothes, the UPS guy is here,” I’d be rolling in it.
Despite her wild ways, she’s also incredibly affectionate, kind, and funny. Now at 10, she’s developed a sense of caution—thankfully! While I admire her fearless approach to life, she’s given me a few heart-stopping moments that only parents of wild children can understand. Those without wild ones often assume it’s a lack of discipline on my part. Feel free to debate that among yourselves; I know there are many parents out there who can relate.
One friend recently confided, “I thought I was such a great mom until I had my daughter.” She delivered that line as if it were a curse. “She’s stubborn and doesn’t care about consequences!” Hearing her admit this brought me joy—not because she was struggling, but because she understood. She went from an easy-going son to a daughter who’s a whirlwind of chaos, and she loves them both.
It’s tough, but I wouldn’t trade my wild girl for anything. Sure, she challenges me daily and might moon the UPS guy, but she’s also shown me that life is about taking risks. Instead of thinking, “I could fall,” she thinks, “I could fly.” I can’t imagine a world without these spirited little ones. They add excitement to life and remind us to embrace the wild side.
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Summary:
This blog post shares the humorous and chaotic parenting journey of raising a spirited daughter who embodies wildness and adventure. The author reflects on the challenges and joys of parenting a child who constantly seeks thrills and pushes boundaries while emphasizing the importance of embracing the wild side of life.