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As time passes, many childhood memories start to fade. And that is completely normal since our brain needs to make room for new information and experiences. Hence, we often turn to photos, memory boxes, and other tangible things reminiscent of our childhood as a portal to the times we lived without a single care in the world. One can’t help but have that bittersweet feeling about memories from childhood—happy it happened, sad that it’s over.

What everyone should aspire to in life is to be rich in memories, and if memories of childhood are part of them, one is pretty much halfway there. The many quotes about childhood emphasize that childhood memories, so fragile and distant, are timeless treasures of the heart, carrying so many firsts and special moments of life. Perhaps this is why so many live with platonic hope of wishing to return to “the good old days.” And although time travel has not been invented (just yet), reliving one’s childhood is very much possible. It’s not just reliving sweet memories through photos but doing things you enjoyed doing as a child: building sand castles, collecting shells, swinging on the swing, blowing out candles on your birthday cake, or reading children’s books. There’s no such thing as being too old to do the things you enjoy or things that make you happy. So if a childhood memory of you making daisy chains and wearing them around your head has you smiling from the inside, go ahead and relive it as soon as the first daisies come to bloom.

Below, we’ve compiled heaps of childhood memories to help you reconnect with your inner child and recall the pure joy and innocence of the early days. To make the post even more inspiring, under several entries, we’ve added some quotes about childhood memories that hit right in the feels. And if any of them did, give them an upvote! Also, do you have a favorite childhood memory? What is it? Share it with fellow Pandas and us in the comments!

#1

Building Sandcastles

Sand castle under white sky at daytime

“We could never have loved the earth so well if we had had no childhood in it.”

Nik Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Building sandcastles and digging holes. We dug holes so much at the beach to fill it and sit in it.

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    #2

    Watching Children’s TV

    Children's hugging while watching TV sitting together on floor

    “What one loves in childhood stays in their heart forever.”

    Victoria Akvarel Report

    #3

    Going To Your Grandparent’s House

    Village house

    “Childhood is the best of all the seasons of life, and the longer it lasts with happy memories, the stronger the emotional stability in adulthood.”

    47shadesofgray Report

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    #4

    Collecting Toys, Cards, Collectibles

    Collection of basketball players stickers

    “I miss being the child whose eyes shone brightly at the thought of seeing the simplest of things.”

    Mick Haupt Report

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    #5

    Ice Cream Van

    White and yellow soft ice cream van

    “Childhood is where dreams are born, and time is never planned.”

    Gavin Allanwood Report

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    #6

    Playing Outside Until It Was Dark

    Children playing on tree swing in woods

    "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."

    Annie Spratt Report

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    #7

    Teeth Falling Out And Putting Them Under Your Pillow

    Close-up photography of child mouth

    “What was wonderful about childhood is that anything in it was a wonder. It was not merely a world full of miracles, it was a miraculous world.”

    bigbear Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My family would put them in a cup if water, except me because grandma made me a tooth faerie box out of a matchbox, which sat on our bedside table or in the kitchen.

    #8

    School Field Trips

    Front windshield and lights of a traditional yellow school bus

    “Sometimes, it’s better to bunk a class and enjoy time with friends, because today, when I look back, marks never make me laugh, but memories do.”

    Thomas Park Report

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    #9

    Visiting Cousins

    Three children sitting on grass

    “A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.”

    Charlein Gracia Report

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    #10

    Going ‘Back To School’ Shopping At The End Of Summer Hols

    School supplies supermarket

    “Children are magic because they look for it.”

    reverent Report

    #11

    Getting Up Really Early In The Morning To Go On Holiday

    Man, woman, and child walking together along dirt road

    “The memories we make in our childhood are the ones that will carry with us for the rest of our lives.”

    Alberto Casetta Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not in my house. Mum was always running late with packing/leaving and I hated it.

    #12

    Sleepovers With Friends

    Girls in pajamas with cucumbers on eyes sitting on bed

    "Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends."

    Kampus Production Report

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    #13

    Going Camping

    Hammock attached totwo trees in a forest

    “Sometimes my childhood memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.”

    Vitali Adutskevich Report

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    #14

    Playing Car Games On Long Journeys

    Black side mirror

    “Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time, we grew side by side, our roots will always be tangled.”

    Mike B Report

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    Sleestak
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ABC game, trying to get all 50 US states and more, and car bingo.

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    #15

    Getting Pocket Money

    Child holding pocket money

    “Children need models rather than critics.”

    Annie Spratt Report

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    A girl
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pendatic Panda is right about the captions. It's like some shuffled the slides before putting them in the carousel (kid's, ask your grandparents about the torment of vacation slides)

    #16

    Counting Down The Days Until The Summer Holidays

    Students listening to their teacher

    “Children are one-third of our population and all of our future.”

    RODNAE Productions Report

    #17

    Skimming Stones

    Boy throwing stones on sea shore

    “Sometimes I wish I could go back to my childhood and capture all those happy memories.”

    Jonathan Cooper Report

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    #18

    Going Out With Your Friends For The First Time Without Your Parents

    Kids walking on park path

    “Childhood is like a mirror, which reflects in later life the images first presented to it.”

    Jamie Taylor Report

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    #19

    Watching Films Which Were Above Your Age Rating

    Person choosing a movie

    “Childhood is a time of rapidly changing emotions, and the growth process is often painful.”

    cottonbro studio Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First M (mature audience, recommended over 15) movie I saw I was 13 and it was Sugar and Spice

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    #20

    Being Read A Bedtime Story

    Opened white book

    “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

    Suzy Hazelwood Report

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    #21

    Playing With Leaves

    Children playing with dry leaves

    "Childhood has no necessary connection with age."

    Michael Morse Report

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    #22

    Your Parents' Favorite Music

    Person inserting cassette tape on cassette player

    “Nothing is as nostalgic as remembering your childhood memories.”

    Tobias Tullius Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was born in 1990, so when I got to school, Spice Girls were really popular. My grade 6 buddy (when I was in prep) and her friends kept calling me Baby Spice. I hated Spice Girls and just wanted to listen to the golden oldies music my dad listened to.

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    #23

    Family Holidays

    Persons enjoying on beach

    "Childhood is a collection of life’s most precious moments."

    Weiqi Xiong Report

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    #24

    Hide And Seek

    Boy counting for hide and seek

    "I miss being a child and doing practically senseless stuff and yet having the time of my life."

    Annie Spratt Report

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    #25

    Pencil Cases

    Image of pencil case

    “A happy childhood is perhaps the most fortunate gift in life.”

    Bru-nO Report

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    #26

    Fishing For Tadpoles In A Pond

    Many tadpoles in transparent water

    “Remember, childhood only lasts 10–12 years. There's a lot that has to be squeezed in to make for a lifetime of happy memories.”

    Chris F Report

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    #27

    Making Daisy Chains And Wearing Them Around Your Head

    Woman with blonde hair with green hair tie

    “There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.”

    gryffyn m Report

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    #28

    Reading Magazines

    A collection of stacked magazines

    “Sometimes you have to grow up before you appreciate how you grew up.”

    Steph Wilson Report

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    #29

    "Scratch And Sniff" Stickers

    Stickers of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie

    “Cleaning the house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.”

    qbertking Report

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    #30

    Singing In The Back Of The Car

    Person driving during daytime

    “The best childhood memories are the ones stitched together with love.”

    Magnus Östberg Report

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    #31

    Christmas Dinner

    Close-up photo of baubles on Christmas tree

    “Memories of childhood were the dreams that stayed with you after you woke.”

    Chad Madden Report

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    #32

    Learning To Ride A Bike

    Child riding bicycle on road

    “Every time you miss your childhood, ride on a bicycle!”

    Nathan Dumlao Report

    #33

    Getting A Pet

    Dog lying on the floor and chewing a toy

    “Childhood friendship is the most beautiful memory that can never be replaced.”

    Mathew Coulton Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still annoyed that I wasn't allowed a pet of my own until I turned 12, yet my older brother had two when he was 7, middle brother had one at 3, sister had one at 5 and youngest brother had one at 4!

    #34

    Caravan Family Holidays

    Pink and white truck

    “A happy childhood is perhaps the most fortunate gift in life.”

    Alex Plesovskich Report

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    #35

    Swimming Lessons

    Happy child playing on the beach

    “For in every adult there dwells the child that was, and in every child there lies the adult that will be.”

    Leo Rivas Report

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    #36

    Learning To Read

    A boy reading book

    "When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so."

    Michał Parzuchowski Report

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    #37

    Spelling Tests

    Spellingl list on yellow paper hanging on wall

    "One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world."

    RODNAE Productions Report

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    #38

    Handwriting Lessons

    A child writing on a notebook with a pen

    "It is only when we start enjoying childhood that we have stepped out of it."

    Markus Spiske Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was the third person to get my pen license in my grade 4 class and I was so proud

    #39

    Your Favorite Stuffed Animal

    Pink bunny plush toy

    "Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies.”

    Paulo Almeida Report

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    Sleepy Panda
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got my favorite stuffed animal in like 1999. 24 years later and I’m still clutching him to go to sleep as we speak! He’s in relatively good shape as well!

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    #40

    Memorable Children's Storybooks

    Person reading a book for a child

    "Childhood is a disease - a sickness that you grow out of."

    Lina Kivaka Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being an early childhood teacher I love sharing my favourites from my childhood with new generatios.

    #41

    The First Time They Saw The Ocean

    Man wears blue t-shirt holding child near ocean under blue sky at daytime

    "Growing up is a terribly hard thing to do. It is much easier to skip it and go from one childhood to another."

    Steven Van Loy Report

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    #42

    Collecting Shells On The Beach

    Girls holding yellow plastic bucket and collecting shells at the beach

    "The older I grow, the more earnestly I feel that the few joys of childhood are the best that life has to give."

    Brian Kelly Report

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    #43

    Climbing Trees

    Child hanging on tree

    “I spent my whole childhood wishing I were older and now I’m spending my adulthood wishing I were younger.”

    Annie Spratt Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a photo of myself up my first climbing tree when I was 2.5 years old.

    #44

    Paddling In The Sea

    Girl sitting on shore

    “The mud and dirt will wash off, but the childhood memories will last a lifetime.”

    Ashley K Bowen Report

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    #45

    Exploring Rock Pools

    Girl playing in the river

    “Childhood memories are the sweetest memories of the past.”

    Kelly Sikkema Report

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    #46

    Ice Cream Floats

    Photo of white milkshake with green straw

    “Childhood is the light of our life, we must keep it safe within our hearts.”

    Louis Hansel Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Called spiders in Oz. My favourite was creamy soda, but I recently realised I can add ice cream to my gin and dry ginger!

    #47

    Running Around Bare Foot Outside

    Children bare legs and hand with greenlawn in background

    “I miss being the child whose eyes shone brightly at the thought of seeing the simplest of things.”

    Ron Lach Report

    #48

    Blowing Out The Candles On A Birthday Cake

    Boy blowing out candles

    “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

    Anastasia Shuraeva Report

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    #49

    Flying A Kite

    A person is flying a kite in the sky

    “A day spent making happy memories with your kids is never wasted.”

    Önder Örtel Report

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    #50

    Painting, Arts And Crafts

    Kid on white table painting

    "Childhood is the one story that stands by itself in every soul."

    cottonbro studio Report

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    #51

    Jumping In Puddles

    Girl jumping outside

    "If you've never jumped from one couch to the other to avoid the lava, then you've never had a childhood."

    Germán TR Report

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    #52

    Going To Theme Parks

    Roller coasters

    "The story from childhood is like a flower pressed between the pages of a book - you touch it and it crumbles to dust."

    Suzy Hazelwood Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hated theme parks, found them so boring. Plus I couldn't stand the crowds.

    #53

    The Smell Of Their Favorite Meal Cooking On The Stove

    Round waffle on pot

    "Most of our childhood is stored not in photos, but in certain biscuits, lights of day, smells, textures of carpet."

    Athena Report

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    #54

    Playing Hop Scotch

    Kid playing hop scotch

    "Childhood is practically the most beautiful part of a person’s life, the most innocent too."

    Charlie f Report

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    #55

    Sports Days

    Children playing soccer

    “The happiness never leaves me whenever I am reminiscing about my childhood days. I treasure them.”

    Kampus Production Report

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    #56

    Playground Games

    Playground

    “If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.”

    Simon Report

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    #57

    Playing On A Rope Swing In The Woods

    Children playing with swing on dried leaves

    “Childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can excel academically. Childhood is a small window of time to play, build friendships, and have fun while learning along the way.”

    Annie Spratt Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We didn't even need a rope usually, the weeping willow vines were strong enough!

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    #58

    Buying A School Uniform

    Girl tugging her blue school jacket

    “Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.”

    Joseph Chan Report

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    #59

    Playing In The Paddling Pool

    Two boys playing in inflatable pool

    “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

    Brandon Morgan Report

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    #60

    School Packed Lunches

    Boy in blue long sleeve shirt sitting on chair in front of table with lunch box

    “Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.”

    Yan Krukau Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They were so boring when I was in school, 99% white bread sandwiches. Now kids get sushi, rice paper rolls, fried rice, quiche etc.

    #61

    First Time Getting Told Off By A Teacher

    Boy sitting in their classroom at school

    “Adults are just outdated children.”

    Taylor Flowe Report

    #62

    Staying Up Late For New Year’s Parties

    Time lapse photo of fireworks

    “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back on your childhood everything is different?”

    Pixabay Report

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    #63

    Buying Penny Sweets From The Village Shop

    Candy dispenser lot

    “Children are not only innocent and curious but also optimistic and joyful and essentially happy. They are, in short, everything adults wish they could be.”

    Sneha Chekuri Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now most milk bars have either disappeared or had to branch out into other things, but I used to love stopping by on my way home from school on the rare occasions I had pocket money to spend. The lollies weren't that flash but were good enough at the time. Even better was the 'ye olde' lolly shop we would stop at on our way to some holiday places. Now I've moved not too far away from it, I still get to enjoy stopping in for some rock candy or nougat.

    #64

    Being In The School Play

    Group of girls taking performance

    "Childhood means simplicity. Look at the world with the child's eye - it is very beautiful."

    Brett Sayles Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The first school 'play' (more of a concert) I was in, I played goldilocks. I was so excited, until I found out I had to wear a ice cream container covered in yellow paper curls. Not sure why my own blonde curly hair wasn't good enough.

    #65

    First Day Of Secondary School

    Boy in green sweater writing on white paper

    “In every child there is a piece of the future.”

    CDC Report

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    #66

    Family Holidays Abroad

    A car with a suitcase in the trunk

    “There is no land like the land of your childhood.”

    Swansway Motor Group Report

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    #67

    Bath Time

    Yellow plastic duck into the water

    "Childhood is that wonderful time of life when all you need to do to lose weight is take a bath."

    Isaac Quesada Report

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    #68

    A Day Full Of Surprises

    Girl making large bubble

    "When you are a child, there is joy. There is laughter. And most of all, there is trust. Trust in your fellows. When you are an adult... then comes suspicion, hatred, and fear."

    Maxime Bhm Report

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    #69

    Recording The Music Charts On A Sunday

    Black and white cassette tape

    “Will you turn back time and let me live my childhood once more? I was happier back then.”

    Dmitriy Demidov Report

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    #70

    School Dinners

    Three children playing while eating on table

    “When you finally go back to your old hometown, you find it wasn't the old home you missed but your childhood.”

    Abigail Miller Report

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    #71

    Fighting With Siblings

    Kids playing wrestling in the bed

    “The happiness never leaves me whenever I am reminiscing about my childhood days. I treasure them.”

    cottonbro studio Report

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    Mr Old School Cool
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    #72

    Using Jumpers For Goal Posts

    Football goal net on the frosty grass

    “Childhoods never last. But everyone deserves one.”

    KoolShooters Report

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    #73

    Sliding On The Grass In School Uniform

    Children running towards the soccer net

    “I love those random childhood memories that make me smile no matter what is going on in my life right now.”

    Thirdman Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know about this, but I remember rolling down the hill in my school uniform. We had this set of small hills in the schoolyard which were perfect!

    #74

    Paper Rounds

    Post office worker delivering parcels with yellow bicycle

    “There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.”

    anaterate Report

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    #75

    Sitting Cross-Legged In Assemblies

    Children sitting on the floor in the school

    “Great childhoods are made of feelings of connection and positive experiences, not things.”

    CDC Report

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    #76

    Winning An Award

    People holding a trophy

    "Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."

    Toby Bowles Report

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    #77

    Singing Hymns

    Children singing hymn

    “Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.”

    GemmaRay23 Report

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