How did you rebel as a child?

Growing up on a farm with our only parameters being to come in for lunch and to not be late for dinner, there was not too much need to rebel. But even with all this freedom, there were days of ignoring lunch time and being late for dinner.

One steadfast rule was no swimming in the creek without an adult present. If it was an especially hot day and no adult was around, we would jump in the water anyway. This was often in our clothes, so we would have to stay out until our clothes dried.  At lunch time my mom or Nana would call for us and we would pretend not to hear. Before we left in the morning we would sneak a sandwich and snacks in our backpacks. We knew if we showed up late for lunch, the rule was no eating until dinnertime.

In winter we would ice skate on the creek. Again, the rule was no skating unless an adult was present. There could be weak spots and one could fall through the ice. I would often go down and slide around in my boots instead of my skates, believing it was kind of okay.

As time went on and our family dynamic changed my rebelliousness increased. We lived way out in the country and it was at least five miles to a little corner store. I started going on these long walks to buy candy and eat it all on my way home. My mom never knew, as she was working. That is until her mechanic spotted me so far from home. That was the end to my sojourns.

In high school it was the time of peace marches, earth day marches, women’s rights, etc. Most of these large events happened in New York City. A friend and I wanted to go to a peace march and crafted what we thought was a clever plan. I would take the bus to school and be met by her older sister who would drive us to the train station. It all went well until we missed the early commuter train coming home.  We arrived in New Hamberg at 7:00. My friends sister had already left for work. Our only option was to call my mom. It was a very quiet and uncomfortable ride home. My mom had a mixed reaction of relief to know where I was, that I survived the city and then anger that I skipped school and made her worry. I have to say it was worth the lecture and being in trouble.  In fact all the little ways I rebelled added adventure and a sense of competence to my life. Maybe a little rebellion can be a good thing.