There’s a vast difference between just simply growing up and growing up healthy.

This difference lies in the experiences. Some of us were lucky enough to have certain experiences growing up that played a significant role in shaping us into the healthy adults we have become today.

Growing up healthy isn’t just about being free from illnesses, it’s about experiencing things that contribute to our overall well-being. And believe it or not, there are key experiences that indicate you had a healthier childhood than most people.

In this article, I’ll be sharing seven of these experiences. If you can relate to most of these, consider yourself blessed – because you’ve had a healthier childhood than most.

And while we can’t travel back in time to change our past, recognizing these experiences can help us understand what contributes to a healthier upbringing for the next generation.

Intrigued? Let’s dive right in!

1) Regular family meals

If you think back to your childhood and remember sitting at the dining table with your family on a regular basis, you were onto a good thing.

Regular family meals are more than just about feeding. They offer an opportunity for the family to come together, share experiences of the day, and connect on a deeper level.

This ritual contributes significantly to emotional health and establishes a sense of belonging and security.

In addition, it’s during these meals that parents can model healthy eating habits and teach children about nutrition.

If this was a part of your upbringing, it’s a strong indicator that you had a healthy childhood. Of course, this isn’t about the perfection of every meal but the consistency of coming together and sharing food, conversation, and love.

This experience is invaluable for emotional stability, cognitive development, and overall well-being. So if you grew up with regular family meals – you indeed had a healthier childhood than most.

2) Access to books and reading

I recall the days of my childhood when I would spend hours immersed in the world of books. From adventures in enchanted lands to the journey of historical figures, books were my gateway to knowledge and imagination.

Having access to books and being encouraged to read is a vital component of a healthy childhood.

It not only contributes to academic success but also plays a significant role in cognitive development. Reading enhances vocabulary, improves concentration, and fosters creativity.

Moreover, the habit of reading can be a lifelong source of joy and learning. I attribute my love for words and my career as a writer to the countless books I had access to growing up.

If you had a similar experience growing up, with access to books and an environment that encouraged reading, consider it as an indicator of a healthier childhood.

3) Exposure to nature

Growing up with access to green spaces or natural environments has a significant impact on a child’s health. Studies have shown that children who interact with nature regularly tend to be happier, more focused, and less stressed.

The benefits of nature exposure extend beyond mental health. Regular outdoor play boosts physical fitness, improves immunity, and can even enhance vision.

Did you know that the simple act of touching dirt can expose children to a natural antidepressant? Playing in the dirt exposes children to Mycobacterium vaccae, a bacterium found in soil that has been found to stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier.

If your childhood memories include climbing trees, playing in the mud, or simply running free in natural spaces, you were probably healthier than most.

4) Active participation in physical activities

Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy childhood. In addition to promoting physical fitness and maintaining a healthy weight, it plays a crucial role in cognitive development and social skills.

Active children are more likely to have improved concentration, better academic performance, and less behavioral problems.

Team sports or group activities also enhance social skills like cooperation, leadership, and problem-solving.

So, if your childhood involved regular physical activities – be it playing a sport, cycling around the neighborhood, or just engaging in active play – you were setting yourself up for a healthier life.

5) Freedom to express emotions

I remember being a very emotional child – happy one moment, upset the next, and then bursting with excitement. But what I am most grateful for is the freedom I had to express these emotions openly.

Having the space to express emotions without fear of judgment or punishment is an essential aspect of a healthy childhood.

It teaches children to understand, manage, and communicate their feelings effectively, which is essential for emotional intelligence and mental health.

A childhood where feelings were welcomed rather than suppressed is a sign of a healthier upbringing.

Now if you were allowed to cry when you were sad, show excitement when you were thrilled, and express anger when things didn’t go your way – you had a healthier childhood than most.

6) Consistent routines and boundaries

Structure is surprisingly comforting for children. Regular routines and set boundaries provide a sense of safety and predictability that significantly contributes to a child’s overall well-being.

Regular bedtimes, homework routines, and consistent rules create an environment that helps children understand expectations and develop self-discipline.

This structure also allows for better sleep, academic success, and healthier habits.

And if you grew up with consistent routines and clear boundaries, consider it an essential part of a healthier childhood.

7) Unconditional love and support

Above all, the most critical component of a healthy childhood is unconditional love and support.

Knowing that you’re loved and supported regardless of your mistakes or failures provides a sense of security and self-worth that’s irreplaceable.

This kind of love fosters confidence, resilience, and emotional health. It’s the foundation upon which all other aspects of a healthy childhood are built.

So, if you were fortunate to experience unconditional love and support growing up, you indeed had the healthiest foundation possible for your childhood.

Final thoughts: It’s about the little things

The complexities of a healthy childhood often boil down to simple, everyday experiences.

One such simplicity is the presence of unconditional love and support, regular family meals, access to books, exposure to nature, physical activities, emotional freedom, and consistent routines.

These elements, though they may seem ordinary, play an extraordinary role in shaping us into healthier adults. They nurture not just our physical well-being but our mental, emotional, and social health as well.

Whether you experienced all of these or just a few, it’s important to acknowledge their impact on your life. And it’s equally important to pass them on to the next generation.

Our childhood experiences are not just individual stories but the foundation upon which we build our future. They not only determine our health but also our happiness and success in life.

As Fred Rogers wisely said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

Let’s ensure every child gets to do their ‘work’ in the healthiest possible environment. Because a healthy childhood isn’t a privilege – it should be a right for every child.