How do you nurture your inner child?

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 19:21:54 -0400

Personally, I like to shoot my grandson with a water hose, or a water gun if I really want to work on my aim. I throw tennis balls into a pool for the neighbors dog to retrieve. I have also been known to climb up on my roof and drop water balloons on those not smart enough to leave me alone when I want to draw or color. I guess you could say I am an officer at heart. No offense intended to my officer friends and associates.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 7:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 19:30:32 -0400

I play Legos a lot with my kid, keeps me young.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Aug 21 at 2014 7:58 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 19:58:45 -0400

I play tag, I high-five myself, I listen to Blink 182, I drink, I regret drinking, I jump rope, I dance to my own music, I feel around on my face in search of my eyebrow ring scar, I pray, I do hand-stands, I remember I can't do hand-stands anymore...

LOTS and LOTS of different ways :)

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 21 at 2014 8:04 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 20:04:33 -0400

I play with my two grand-daughters, and my grand-DOGter as well, unfortunately they live about 500 miles away so I can't see them as often as I'd like, but I do get to see them every few months.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 8:17 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 20:17:35 -0400

As a child, (for myself at least) every day was an adventure waiting to be taken. Although I physically have aged like a normal individual – I have kept my inner child close at hand (I have always had the mentality that you are as old as you think you are). Sure, to be a constructive member of the adult world you must conform (at least for the most part to the outside world) but you can and should keep your sense of wonder and amazement (like you had as a child) close at hand. Also, you should keep the philosophy of “don’t sweat the small stuff – and everything is the small stuff” – this will help you keep from being stressed out in this crazy and hectic (at times) world.
I personally have kept this as my compass in life. When my kids were born I made sure that I was always there for them to play and teach them as they grew. I would have tea parties with them; play Barbie’s, Lego’s (even when they weren’t as cool as they are now) games and a whole slew of different things as they grew. We also, got some puppies which they grew up with to play and have fun with as well as learning responsibility and kindness. In doing all this, our relationship has stayed close (which is a bond that I treasure more than anything) and they have grown into responsible young adults with the same philosophy that I promoted for all those years as they were growing up.
To be an adult with a good grip on your inner child is one of the greatest treasures you can possess. Remember the fun that childhood taught. Remember to always cast back your memory to fun childhood times and the things that made you feel safe, fulfilled and happy. Build on those memories in a way that allows you to be a responsible adult influenced for the better by the carefree child inside.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 21 at 2014 9:05 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 21:05:53 -0400

Besides my family, for those of you who haven't seen it, here's the abridged version pertinent to the question at hand:

http://youtu.be/9PXhaAJl7sE

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2014 9:32 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 21:32:38 -0400

SPC Charles Brown I beat the heck out of my inner child. That bum has cost me plenty. :)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2014 10:13 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 22:13:32 -0400

The grandkids keep my inner child alive. My two daughter in-laws say I'm much noisier then the kids and I need to calm down. But I think its fun getting them all hyped up because I can leave!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2014 11:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 23:41:00 -0400

I keep a healthy stash of candy around. I play video games. When I'm dealing with my son or step daughters in a non-disciplinary manner I act like a general goofball.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 12:47 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:47:03 -0400

I do love legos! I've also been known to break out a coloring book.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 3:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 15:49:15 -0400

SPC Charles Brown I am my own redheaded inner-step child and they call me 'Luka'.

http://youtu.be/VZt7J0iaUD0?list=RDVZt7J0iaUD0

Suzanne Vega - Luka

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 24 at 2014 7:19 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 19:19:43 -0400

I act silly when I can get away with it and play with the kitties. Never disregard the life lessons learned by Spongebob Squarepants either.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Aug 24 at 2014 7:45 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 19:45:10 -0400

I like buying those paint by numbers kits and painting 1/2 of it before I get bored. Although finger painting is pretty fun too.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 8:43 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 20:43:59 -0400

I go to work with LTC Private RallyPoint Member CPT Private RallyPoint Member and CPT Private RallyPoint Member then I just let the antics start occurring on their own.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Aug 25 at 2014 11:30 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 23:30:24 -0400

Chasing my 15 month old daughter around Walmart nurtures my inner child.