As children, there were many little things that we did that made us feel very grown up. Whether it was something small, answering the phone, or as big as going to the store alone, they made us feel like we were all on top of the world. Here are 15 things that made you feel all grown up back then.
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Babysitting (Even Just Your Younger Sibling)
The first time your parents said you could babysit, you felt like an adult. You took it very seriously (maybe a little too seriously), telling your sibling when it was snack time, when it was time for “quiet time”, etc., even if they didn’t listen to a word you said the whole time.
Ordering for Yourself at a Restaurant
When your parents stopped ordering for you at the restaurant and the waiter looked at you, you perked up and ordered, “I’ll have the spaghetti,” like you knew what you were doing. It made you feel so confident.
Staying Home Alone (Even for 20 Minutes)
When your parents left you home alone for even 20 minutes and said, “Don’t answer the door,” you felt so grown up, being in charge of the house all by yourself. Of course, you checked all the locks, turned on the TV, and pretended to be in a spy movie.
Using the Microwave Without Help
Putting something in the microwave and then pressing the buttons correctly was quite a moment. You’d stand there, watch it spin, feeling so grown up making a meal, even if it was just a hot dog or popcorn.
Writing in Cursive
As soon as you learned how to write in cursive, you used it for everything, including notes, journal entries, and random doodles. You felt like an important person writing fancy letters.
Pushing a Mini Cart at the Grocery Store
Tiny shopping carts were the best. You felt so much like an actual adult, shopping for the week’s groceries, even though you didn’t know what you needed, and you ended up filling it with apples, cereal, and whatever else you thought was necessary (gum, glitter glue, etc.). You’d then push the mini cart along, proudly right next to Mom and her huge grocery cart.
Answering the Home Phone
There was something about picking up the house phone and answering, “Hello?” with a serious voice that made you feel so grown up. It was even better if you had to say, “Just a moment, I’ll get them.” You were basically acting like you worked in some highbrow office.
Getting Your Own Library Card
Having that little card with your name on it meant the world. You no longer had to use your mom’s card—you were allowed to check out books by yourself. It was so empowering.
Carrying Your Own House Key
Having your very own house key was a big deal. You hung it from a keychain or string around your neck, showing it off like you owned the place. You may not have used it often, but it was yours.
Using Gel Pens or Highlighters “Like Adults Do”
You saw teachers and parents with all kinds of pens and highlighters. When you got some of your own, you used them for everything, treating them like professional tools. You’d make to-do lists, underline words at random or color-code your school work. You felt important using these pens.
Pretending to Drink Coffee (Even if It Was Hot Chocolate)
You’d hold the mug or cup with both hands, blow on it, and make that “Ah, I needed this” face that all the grown-ups did. Even if it was warm chocolate milk, you felt like you had a real job and were on a coffee break.
Going to the Store with Money You Earned
Whether it was from washing the car, cleaning your room, or birthday money, having your own money to take to the store was amazing. You counted out your cash, handed it to the cashier, and felt like you understood exactly how change was given back.
Packing Your Own Lunch
Deciding what snacks to pack, wrapping your sandwich in foil paper, and putting it all in your lunchbox, you felt so grown up and independent. Even if you only packed cookies and crackers, it was a real grown-up choice.
Sitting at the Adults’ Table (Even Once)
During big family meals, there was always a separate children’s table. If you ever managed to get a seat at the adults’ table, it was like being promoted to grown-up status. You sat straight and tall, pretended to understand the conversation, and acted like you knew exactly what “interest rates” were.
Having a Planner or Notebook “for your schedule”
You had nothing to actually schedule, but you filled up pretend appointments and reminders in your notebook like “Call Alex” or “Meeting at 3 pm.” It made you feel like you had a real job, even if the “meeting” was with your stuffed animals.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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