I was one of those kids who had really strict parents while growing up. There were certain expectations that were set for our siblings. We had to behave in a certain way and speak in a certain way. If we didn’t do that, we ran the risk of getting into some major trouble. Despite the strictness of my parents, they were loving and caring people. I think they saw being strict as a way to guide us down a path of being respectful and courteous people. While I appreciate this mindset, at times it felt like they were restricting us from being kids. A good example of this is when my sister wanted a table tennis table. Australia, as a nation, has always loved table tennis, and I remember regularly playing table tennis at school. My sister was one of those kids who simply excelled in the game and wanted the opportunity to play table tennis further. Sadly, my parents refused to support this hobby.
The same thing happened when I wanted a trampoline. I had been to numerous friends’ houses and they all had trampolines. It sucked being known as the only kid who didn’t have a trampoline. I have distinct memories of me crying and begging for them to buy a trampoline. They refused. They said it was pointless and that I could find much more creative ways to entertain myself outside. I was furious and heartbroken.
I’m now thirty-six years old and am living my own life with my family and friends. I’ve taken a very different approach to parenting than my parents. I want my children to be children. They have their whole lives to be adults, so why force them to grow up? I went and bought the best Australian trampolines for sale near me. I went and bought them a table tennis table. I went and bought them everything they needed to be kids who were happy. I will always support every hobby my kids have, as long as it was one that kept them safe and made them happy. I’m giving them everything.