Anyone have an idyllic childhood?

[babar]

Yes, I had an "idyllic" childhood...parents who loved each other dearly and who loved us as well, and who were openly affectionate with each other and us.

Did that set me up for disappointment in relationships and marriage? Absolutely NOT! It gave me a model for what I wanted in life, and what I expected in a relationship...and that is what I got with my husband. I realize I am very lucky to have grown up with the family I had, and I don't take it for granted for one moment. I hope to give my children the same experience as they grow up.

I agree with everything except I'm not married, and their relationship makes me a little wary of mine. I like theirs better!

 

[nativetxn]

My mother was married and divorced 4 times. My childhood was not at all idyllic. I did learn what I did and did not want my marriage to be like, though.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Yes. I had a totally normal childhood. My parents are happily married.

I'm not really sure how it affected me though.

 

[lap3]

I'm not sure if it is an "ideal" childhood but I can't complain. My parents would have their share of disagreements like any other relationship but they were happy, treated us well, gave us everything they could so that we could lead a good life, and taught us school and the family was important.

Now, as a father of 2 kids, I find that I'm doing the same thing with my kids. They don't watch TV during the week. When they get home, we talk about how their day went, we do their homework, play, and have dinner together. Now, some of you may think that no TV is strict but we feel there's too much influence on TV. We want to be able to stimulate our kids' intellect by conversation and interaction. They can watch on the weekends but during the week is when we have family time.

 

[HappyMommy2]

Yes, I had an "idyllic" childhood...parents who loved each other dearly and who loved us as well, and who were openly affectionate with each other and us.

Did that set me up for disappointment in relationships and marriage? Absolutely NOT! It gave me a model for what I wanted in life, and what I expected in a relationship...and that is what I got with my husband. I realize I am very lucky to have grown up with the family I had, and I don't take it for granted for one moment. I hope to give my children the same experience as they grow up.

Same here!

 

[huey duey & luey]

My dh and best friend both had a less than idyllic childhood and they always joke that my family was the Brady Bunch. The first fight that I ever remember my parents having I was 14. I am sure they had arguements but they were not in fornt of us as kids. My parents were married for 45 years
Tara

 

[3gr8kids]

I'm not sure if it is an "ideal" childhood but I can't complain. My parents would have their share of disagreements like any other relationship but they were happy, treated us well, gave us everything they could so that we could lead a good life, and taught us school and the family was important.

Same here. Now I am planning my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary Party for this July 1st!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

Idyllic is a rather strong word, but I did have a very happy childhood. My parents had and have a good marriage...there have been ups and downs, but it always came through that they loved each other. They did fight on occasion...most married couples do...but I never felt as if their marriage or the "life" I knew was in danger. I do trulky feel as if my parents did as good of a job as any two people could do in raising my brother and I. We always knew they loved and supported us, they sacrificed much so that we could have good educations etc. They showed us, by example, how to have a successful marriage with give and take, and supporting each other through difficult times.

 

[jimmiej]

My childhood was wonderful! My parents modeled a good marriage for my brother & me. I remember a few times they argued, but we knew they loved each other & our life was very pleasant. I think DW & I did the same with our own kids. They know how blessed they are to have parents that love each other. Many of their friends don't. I hope & pray they have marriages as good as mine.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Had a very stressful childhood. It makes me appreciate everyone and everything I have now.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Neither my dh or I had a great childhood. We both came from broken homes and messed up moms who tried the best they knew how. Neither one of us knew what a real, solid, happy relationship looked like other than what we saw on television. It's a real challenge for us but we have some ground rules that we stick to when have disagreements and we try to keep the communication open and going.

 

[KirstenB]

Imgngtowdw, that was truly evil, Dr. Evil

 

[CyranoJones]

I had a happy childhood. I didn't have any relationship experience from my parents because my father died when I was two. My husband came from a very happy home. His parents have been married for 57 years and in the 27 years I have known them, I have never seen a cross word between them. My husband treats me just like his FIL treats my MIL...like a queen. So he learned the right stuff, lol.