Childhood Dreams and Aspirations: What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up?

From the grand ambitions of a dictator to the more practical dream of constructing cubbyhouses, childhood is a time filled with diverse and sometimes whimsical aspirations. Today, let's explore the varied paths taken and the dreams that shaped the lives of a group of children.

Dictator or Aerospace Engineer, Definitely Both?

When thinking back to childhood, one might hear dreams like being a dictator or an aerospace engineer. However, sometimes these dreams can be a bit more practical. Take, for example, the childhood of an aspiring cubby house builder. Although the financial prospects didn't work out as expected, the skill of building and designing imaginative structures remained an enduring passion.

A Childhood of Creative Construction

Growing up in a large estate surrounded by abundant park land and kids, the chance to build cubby houses was never far away. The favorite branches to work with were long, slender, supple ones with abundant foliage, which could be shaped into igloos. Other branches, long but inflexible and light on leaves, were perfect for teepees. As for more substantial materials, digging and chopping stumps could result in castles or forts. These creative structures were completed with details such as moats, lava rock edges, and pebble pathways, often using materials scavenged from the existing landscaping.

However, the thrill of these creations typically ceased the moment the council truck arrived, leaving behind a pile of chipped branches. Undeterred, the child then turned to alternative activities like bike riding, roller skating, and romper stompers, all with an added challenge of hitting a moving car for 50 points, although success was elusive.

Exploring Diverse Aspirations

As the years passed, the dreams of childhood evolved. Consider a child who, at a young age, wanted to be a dinosaur, specifically a triceratops. This soon gave way to the allure of space exploration and dreams of being an astronaut. However, upon realizing the dizzying heights and the potential for vertigo, the child realized a different dream, that of being in the army.

Initially, the preference was for the Marines, but this was dismissed as too extreme. The Navy was also out of the question due to an aversion to heights. Eventually, the Air Force became the focus, symbolizing the grandiose yet grounded dreams of a young mind. However, the ultimate goal was to become a dad. This dream encapsulated the quintessential wish for stability and maternal experience that is a consistent thread throughout childhood dreams.

Embracing Maternal Dreams

As the child grew, other aspirations took shape, such as becoming a chef, owning a restaurant, or starting a business. These desires suggested a desire for independence and creativity. However, a significant turning point came when the child's older sister became a mother. This experience led to a profound realization of what truly mattered: the wish to become a mother and start a family of their own.

This realisation brought a sense of fulfillment and direction, and it was a dream that eventually came true. Childhood dreams and aspirations often evolve, shaping the individual and their future path. From dictators to cubby house builders, from astronauts to members of the military, each dream played a significant role in our growth and understanding of ourselves.