HISTORY
During childhood, I remember playing, but I do not think that I was as playful as children
who were similar in age. As a person whose background includes a large family, I vividly recall taking care of my younger siblings. Thus, at a young age, I already had responsibilities, unlike many children who grow up without many family obligations.
However, this fact does not mean that I did not play at all. My remote memories are filled with fond recollections of playing in the park. Much of my activities there were very joyous, and time seemed to pass by quickly. However, as I recall these things, my images seem to be frozen in time. This is somewhat intriguing to me. My hours at the park included playing on the swings, the slides, and whirling endlessly on the children’s merry-go-round wheel. I remember these times with great fondness, but my outdoor recreational activities would soon be replaced by family responsibilities, responsibilities that included helping my parents take care of younger siblings. As an elder child, my responsibilities even, at one time, included changing diapers, and, of course, babysitting – should my parents be gone. Sometimes, I wish that my childhood was a bit different, and did not entail many responsibilities.
On the other hand, I strongly feel that my responsibilities as a part of a larger family helped develop my character, and make me the strong person I am today. I have overcome a lot of challenges in my life, and I think I owe much of my resilience to having a less playful childhood than most children. I learned how to be responsible at an early age, and I do not regret my childhood, or wish for a better one, in general. On the contrary, my limited play hours were all that I needed to refresh myself, and prepare for the eventuality of a larger family and more responsibilities. As an adult, I have learned how not to take things as seriously, as contrasted with my childhood attitude. I have learned to be more joyful, and more grateful as a direct result of my childhood history on the playground ad in the park. Finally, my strong sense of family ties has forged a healthy identity that I would never trade in for a “better” childhood, with more extended hours of play.
