Strange in Our Childhood

Childhood is a unique phase of life where the world feels boundless, logic takes a backseat, and imagination reigns supreme. Looking back, many of the things we did or believed in our younger years now seem strange, even absurd. Yet, these quirks defined the essence of our childhood and became cherished memories. Let’s take a nostalgic journey into some of the peculiarities that shaped our early years.

1. The Unseen Logic of Childhood

Children have a logic of their own, often incomprehensible to adults. These ideas, though strange, added fun and excitement to life.

Eating Chalk and Mud

For reasons unknown, many of us found eating chalk or mud irresistible. The texture, the colors—everything about them seemed inviting. Of course, it’s only later we learned how unhealthy and odd it was. Yet, in that moment, it felt completely normal.

Secret Friendships

Imaginary friends were a staple of childhood. Whether it was a superhero, a talking animal, or just an invisible human companion, we shared secrets, played games, and even fought with them. To us, they were as real as any person.

Hiding From Shadows

There was a time when shadows seemed alive. Games involving stepping only on light spots or avoiding shadows entirely turned mundane walks into thrilling adventures.

2. Childhood Myths We Believed

Growing up, myths and half-truths filled our world, and we accepted them without question.

Swallowing Gum Stays in Your Stomach for 7 Years

The fear of swallowing gum haunted many of us. Whenever it happened accidentally, we’d panic, imagining the gum sitting stubbornly in our stomach for years.

Monsters Under the Bed

The idea of boogeymen or monsters lurking under the bed kept us vigilant. Every night, we’d muster the courage to peek under the bed to ensure it was safe to sleep.

The Tooth Fairy (or Its Variations)

Throwing a fallen tooth on the roof and believing a rat would replace it with a permanent tooth was a strange yet fascinating ritual in many cultures.

3. Strange Games and Their Rules

The games of childhood often didn’t make sense, yet they were the most enjoyable.

Inventing Games Out of Nothing

With just sticks, stones, or old tires, we’d create elaborate games. The rules were arbitrary and often changed midway, but they brought immense joy.

Village Adventures

For those who grew up in rural areas, the fields, trees, and rivers became playgrounds. We’d pretend to be explorers, kings, or pirates, losing ourselves in imaginary adventures.

Household Hideouts

Hiding in cramped spaces like cupboards, under beds, or behind curtains during games of hide-and-seek felt thrilling. Somehow, the most obvious hiding spots always felt the safest.

4. Food Quirks and Fantasies

Childhood was also a time of peculiar food habits and endless curiosity about flavors.

Odd Food Combinations

Many of us had unique culinary preferences—like sprinkling sugar on rice, dipping biscuits in soft drinks, or putting ketchup on almost everything. These combinations might seem odd now but were delightful back then.

Stealing From the Kitchen

The kitchen was a treasure trove. Whether it was sneaking raw mangoes, spoonfuls of sugar, or unripe guavas, the thrill of stealing and eating was unmatched.

The Forbidden Street Foods

Despite repeated warnings from parents, the allure of roadside snacks like golgappas, ice golas, and spicy chaat was irresistible. Every bite felt like an act of rebellion.

5. Strange Fears That Made No Sense

The fears we harbored as children were often irrational but felt very real.

Fear of Soap Bubbles

During baths, the fear of soap bubbles getting into our eyes was immense. Despite no real harm, the panic was genuine.

The Floor is Lava

A common game involved imagining the floor was molten lava. Jumping from one sofa or chair to another without touching the ground was a thrilling survival test.

Faces in the Dark

Clothes hanging on a chair or shadows in the closet would morph into scary faces in the dark. Covering our heads with a blanket was the ultimate shield against these imagined horrors.

6. Social Oddities of Growing Up

Interactions with others during childhood often had their own peculiarities.

Eavesdropping on Adult Conversations

There was a certain thrill in secretly listening to adult conversations. Though we rarely understood the context, we’d weave elaborate stories in our minds based on snippets.

The Curse of Hand-Me-Downs

Wearing clothes passed down from older siblings or cousins was both a norm and a struggle. These outfits rarely fit perfectly but carried a charm of their own.

First Crush and Secret Notes

Childhood crushes were innocent yet intense. Passing anonymous notes, drawing hearts in notebooks, or simply blushing at the sight of someone special were rites of passage.

7. The Magic in the Mundane

Childhood had a way of turning ordinary moments into magical experiences.

Cartoon Logic

Inspired by cartoons, we’d try absurd stunts like digging a hole to China, attempting to fly with an umbrella, or expecting parachutes to appear magically when jumping off beds.

Dancing in the Rain

Rain wasn’t just weather; it was an event. Dancing, jumping in puddles, and playing in the mud felt like pure joy.

Believing in Magic

Wishing stars, genies in lamps, and fairy tales—these weren’t just stories but beliefs that filled our world with wonder.

8. Why These "Strange" Moments Matter

The strangeness of childhood is its charm. It’s a phase when creativity knows no bounds, curiosity is endless, and the simplest things bring immense happiness. These memories, no matter how peculiar, are a testament to the beauty of innocence and imagination.

Conclusion

As adults, we often look back and laugh at the oddities of our childhood. Yet, these strange moments shaped who we are today. They taught us to dream, to find joy in the little things, and to embrace the magic of life. So, cherish these memories and celebrate the strangeness that made childhood extraordinary.