With age, you begin to realise that life isn’t as simple as it once seemed. As a kid, I wanted nothing more than to grow up, get a job, and live an independent life as an adult. But as time went on, reality hit me — growing up isn’t all roses. Just like roses come with thorns, life comes with harsh truths that we all must face.

For instance, despite the freedom adulthood brings, the constant pressure to succeed can often become overwhelming. Yet, every phase of life has its own charm, and we must embrace and enjoy each part of our journey. Still, the sweet scent of childhood lingers in our hearts, a doorway to a beautiful past that keeps calling us back. No matter how far we go or how successful we become, there’s always a part of us that longs to revisit our carefree childhood days.

Nowadays, I find myself missing the times I was in school. My days were carefree, the laughter of my friends surrounded me, and my parents were young. Hence, despite how attractive growing up looks, childhood has its own perks.

So I want to urge you all to cherish your childhood to the fullest, and I will pen down reasons why you should.

It’s all about carefree days

As a child, you are unburdened by life’s major responsibilities. While you should always be responsible for your actions, even as a child, growing up comes with a different level of abundant societal expectations. One that we may not be prepared for beforehand.

Let me clarify this with an example: missing a day at school when you are young is much easier than taking a day off from work. When you miss a day at school due to illness or a family commitment, only a minimal amount of work piles up, one that you can complete easily with the help of your classmates or your teachers.

However, taking a day off from work can often result in incredible stress. Unlike our teachers, who often give us leeway in submitting assignments or retaking exams, your boss at work is unlikely to be as understanding. You would be expected to complete the tasks allocated to you as soon as you return without much delay.

When parents are young

We often take the health of our parents for granted. Our parents are at their prime when we are children, and we are mostly dependent on them. Their life revolves around picking us up from our school and dropping us at our friend’s house, cooking our favourite meals, and actively participating in things we enjoy. Unfortunately, when we grow up, our parents also grow old; such is the tragedy of life. We fear for the stability of their health, and this looming fear unconsciously shapes our personality, making us more mature and careful.

Connections are more sincere

While there is no doubt sincere people can be found in all life phases, we can foster meaningful connections with everyone around us at any time if our fate allows. However, the chances of gaining sincere connections are higher when we are children than when we enter the practical world. It all boils down to the fact that when we are kids, people around us love us solely for who we are, rather than what we can do for them. The friends we make in school are some of our best buddies; we can open up to them without fearing judgment.

In the practical world, you are more likely to come across people who, without caring much about your well-being, are concerned with the benefits you provide to them.

So my dear young friends, cherish your childhood to the best of your ability. By no means should you fear growing up and entering the practical world, as that era of yours will turn out to be incredible as well. Childhood has its own beauty. Our elders aren’t wrong when they say, ‘This is the easiest part of your life.’ Believe it and enjoy this phase to the fullest!

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 3rd, 2025