Our eldest child was the epitome of decorum. From the beginning, she displayed an impressive level of politeness, grace, and tranquility. She could immerse herself in a pile of books for hours, adored hosting elegant tea parties, and would quietly engage with her toys while I prepared dinner or tackled work tasks.
Then came our second child, who is a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm. It’s as if she descended from an entirely different realm—one where wildness reigns and concepts like manners, shoes, and hygiene barely exist. Despite our best parenting efforts, she appears set on embracing her untamed nature.
Here are 10 signs that you may have an equally feral child:
- They Prefer Alternative Modes of Movement.
Our middle child seems to have spent more time galloping on all fours than walking. It’s quite a sight as she can bound around like a horse (or sprint like a cheetah, depending on her mood). Feral kids often opt to crawl, climb, or hop rather than walk like the rest of us. - Utensils Are Unnecessary.
Forks and spoons? Not for our little one. She would happily consume every meal with her hands, possibly even forgoing them to seize her food with her mouth—like a raptor. Remember the classic scene in A Christmas Story? That’s her in a nutshell. - They Delight in Dirt.
You’d be amazed at the joy that lights up my child’s face when she returns from playing outside, covered in mud. She loves to run barefoot in the yard, and the dirtier she becomes, the happier she is. - The 5-Second Rule? What’s That?
Feral children tend to ignore food safety rules. While our first child wouldn’t touch anything that has touched the floor, our wild one will gleefully pick up a slice of pizza dropped on the ground, remove any debris, and devour it without hesitation. - Hair Maintenance Is a Foreign Concept.
Getting my child to brush her hair has been an ongoing struggle. If left to her own devices, she would let it grow into a tangled mess, resembling someone who has been living in the woods. Interestingly, she often expresses a wish to have been raised by wolves. - Their Clothing Is Always Worn and Torn.
Spending time on all fours takes its toll on clothing. Our daughter loves her stretchy pants, which allow her to run and leap without limits, but they’re not designed for durability. Add to that her aversion to napkins, and I’ve lost count of the times I’ve asked her not to wipe her hands on her clothes. - Their Bed Resembles a Nest.
Our feral child has rarely slept in her bed like a conventional kid. Instead, she arranges all her blankets and pillows into a nest-like formation. At one point, she even saved up for a large dog bed, despite us never having owned a dog. - When They Go Missing, Check the Trees First.
If I call her name and get no response, my first thought is to look outside. More often than not, she’s nestled in the plum tree, engrossed in a book or pretending in her own world. I appreciate her love for nature, even if it means tracking dirt indoors. - You Sometimes Wonder About Their Ancestry.
When she was three, we gifted her a baby doll, which she promptly named “Pony.” From that moment, her world revolved around wildlife. Her animal-themed toys have seen more action than anything else, and she has expressed envy for creatures like cats or eagles. This fascination has evolved into a strong advocacy for environmental conservation. - The Concept of a “Free Spirit” Takes on New Meaning.
Our feral children truly embody the essence of being a “free spirit,” unbound by societal conventions. While we try to guide them toward acceptable behavior, we also appreciate the beauty and wonder of their innate instincts. These kids have a connection to nature that many of us can only admire.
Raising a child like this may not be my personal style, but I can certainly respect and honor her unique identity.
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Summary:
Raising a free-spirited child can be a wild ride, as evidenced by their unique behaviors and preferences. From unconventional modes of movement and an aversion to cleanliness to their love of nature and disregard for utensils, these signs point to a truly untamed spirit. While navigating these traits can be challenging, embracing their individuality is part of the parenting journey.