It’s easy to get caught up in the negativity and focus on all the things that went wrong, but you probably had it better than you realise.
These 15 signs might seem small or insignificant, but trust me — they’re the hallmarks of a childhood that set you up for success in ways you never even noticed.
1. You had a library card.
If you had a library card as a kid, consider yourself lucky. It means you had access to a world of knowledge and imagination, all for free. You could explore different cultures, time periods, and perspectives without ever leaving your hometown. You learned the value of curiosity and the joy of losing yourself in a good book. That kind of intellectual stimulation is priceless, and it’s something that not every child gets to experience.
2. You played outside unsupervised.
These days, the idea of letting kids roam the neighbourhood unsupervised is enough to give most parents a heart attack. But if you grew up in a time and place where it was normal to play outside without an adult hovering over you, count yourself lucky. You learned independence, problem-solving skills, and how to navigate social dynamics on your own. You got fresh air and exercise, and you probably had a lot more fun than kids who are constantly cooped up inside.
3. You had chores.
I know, I know — chores are the bane of every child’s existence. But hear me out: having chores as a kid is actually a good thing. It teaches you responsibility, work ethic, and the value of contributing to a household. It helps you develop a sense of pride in a job well done, and it prepares you for the realities of adult life. If your parents made you do chores, they were doing you a favour in the long run.
4. You had a hobby.
Whether it was playing an instrument, collecting stamps, or building model aeroplanes, having a hobby as a kid is a sign of a good childhood. It means you had the time, resources, and encouragement to pursue your interests and develop your skills. Hobbies teach you discipline, creativity, and the rewards of hard work. They give you a sense of identity and purpose, and they can be a source of lifelong joy and fulfilment.
5. You went on family holidays.
Family holidays are a mixed bag — they can be stressful, boring, or downright disastrous. But if you went on family holidays as a kid, even if they weren’t always perfect, it’s a sign that your parents prioritised quality time and new experiences. You got to see different parts of the country (or even the world), bond with your family, and make memories that will last a lifetime. That kind of investment in your development is something to be grateful for.
6. You had a pet.
Having a pet as a child is a special kind of magic. It teaches you responsibility, empathy, and unconditional love. It gives you a friend and confidant who will never judge you or let you down. It helps you develop a sense of nurturing and care for another living being. If you had a pet as a kid, whether it was a dog, cat, guinea pig, or goldfish, it’s a sign that your childhood was enriched by the love and companionship of an animal.
7. You had a best friend.
Having a best friend as a child is a sign of a good childhood because it means you had the social skills and emotional intelligence to form deep, meaningful connections with others. You had someone to share your secrets with, laugh with, and lean on during tough times. You learned the value of loyalty, trust, and communication. Even if you’ve lost touch with your childhood best friend, the fact that you had one at all is something to be grateful for.
8. You had a favourite teacher.
If you had a teacher who made a positive impact on your life, it’s a sign that your childhood was enriched by the influence of a caring, supportive adult outside of your family. A great teacher can inspire a love of learning, boost your self-esteem, and help you discover your passions and talents. They can be a role model, a mentor, and a source of encouragement and guidance. If you had a favourite teacher, it means your education was about more than just academics — it was about personal growth and development.
9. You had a safe place to call home.
It’s easy to take for granted, but having a safe, stable place to call home is a privilege that not every child enjoys. If you had a roof over your head, food on the table, and a warm bed to sleep in, you were luckier than you probably recognised at the time. A safe home environment provides a foundation of security and comfort that allows children to thrive and develop to their full potential. If you had that, it’s something to be deeply grateful for.
10. You had access to healthcare.
In a country with a national healthcare system like the UK, it’s easy to forget that access to medical care is not a given for everyone. If you were able to see a doctor when you were sick, get vaccinations, and receive necessary treatments and medications, it’s a sign that your childhood was protected by a strong healthcare safety net. That kind of security and peace of mind is something that many children around the world can only dream of.
11. You had family traditions.
Family traditions, whether it’s a special holiday meal, a yearly camping trip, or a silly inside joke, are the glue that holds families together. They create a sense of belonging, continuity, and shared history. If you had family traditions as a child, it’s a sign that your family prioritised togetherness and made an effort to create lasting memories. Those traditions, no matter how small or quirky, are a precious gift that you can carry with you for the rest of your life.
12. You had the freedom to be a child.
In today’s fast-paced, achievement-oriented world, it’s easy for children to get caught up in the rat race of early specialisation, overscheduling, and constant pressure to succeed. If you had the freedom to play, explore, and just be a kid, without the weight of adult expectations and responsibilities, it’s a sign that your childhood was protected and valued. You had the space to develop your own interests, make mistakes, and learn at your own pace.
13. You had adults who believed in you.
Having adults in your life who believed in your potential and encouraged you to follow your dreams is a sign of a good childhood. Whether it was a parent, grandparent, teacher, or coach, having someone who saw your unique strengths and talents and cheered you on can make all the difference in your self-esteem and motivation. If you had even one adult who made you feel seen, heard, and valued, it’s something to be deeply grateful for.
14. You had opportunities to learn and grow.
Whether it was through extracurricular activities, summer camps, or educational experiences like museums and theatre, having opportunities to learn and grow outside of school is a sign of a good childhood. It means your parents or caregivers invested in your development and exposed you to new ideas and experiences. Those opportunities helped shape your interests, skills, and worldview in ways that continue to enrich your life as an adult.
15. You had love and support.
At the end of the day, the most important sign of a good childhood is love and support. If you had people in your life who loved you unconditionally, who supported you through good times and bad, and who made you feel safe and valued, you had a better childhood than you thought. That kind of love and support is the foundation of a happy, healthy life, and it’s something to be deeply grateful for, even if your childhood wasn’t perfect in every way.
