by Cindy Walker Burton

The phrase “second childhood” is a metaphor and not a literal stage of life. It refers to an individual acting in a carefree manner reminiscent of a child. There is no specific age when this occurs.

The negative connotation of a second childhood is associated with advanced age and a decline in mental abilities. I disagree with that implication 100%! The elderly who exhibit childlike behavior are embracing Matthew 18:3-4: “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles themselves like this child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” So please think twice before you judge the senior citizen hugging a doll or playing with a toy. Perhaps they find comfort, nostalgia, or relaxation in their toy. I believe the Almighty is giving that sage senior a divine wink of approval!

The positive connotation of second childhood is adopting a relaxed, joyful approach to life regardless of age. Which brings me to the moment when I realized my childhood was calling to me at the top of its lungs to “come out and play!”

I was a single 42 year-old mother living in the Sunshine State working full time with a part time job on the side while writing my syndicated column for several newspapers and was very involved in my church. My 17 year-old daughter had just left for Florida State tuition free for four years thanks to nine hard earned scholarships. Life was pretty idyllic, uncomplicated, and blessed.

And then Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) hit me. My only child had flown the coop and this mother hen’s nest was profoundly quiet. Despite my busy lifestyle, the pangs of ENS persisted, until one day I saw coloring books for adults at the store. I bought one plus a packet of colored pencils and was instantly hooked. Next, I “graduated” to children’s coloring books (Barbie!) and the awesome 64 count box of Crayola crayons.

Rediscovering my love of coloring merged into immersing myself in childhood favorites like Silly Putty, blowing bubbles, sidewalk chalk, finger painting, twirling a baton, silly stickers, and huggable soft dolls (I amassed over 30 which were ultimately donated to charity). I was enthusiastically indulging in my second childhood full throttle, and enjoying every nostalgic moment. The glaring reality of Empty Nest Syndrome gradually dimmed as I embraced the lightness of my inner child.

Now in my sixties, I consciously choose to remember and revive the little girl inside me. Let your inner child come out to play.

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