I was reluctant to move back to my suburban hometown. I now love watching my daughter enjoy a similar childhood to mine.
In a heartfelt reflection on her journey back to her roots, Sara Rowe Mount shares her experiences of moving from the bustling city of Philadelphia back to her suburban hometown in Delaware. Initially apprehensive about what some might perceive as a step backward, Mount quickly realized that this decision was, in fact, a transformative leap forward for her family. After five years in the city, where the charm of cultural events and urban life was overshadowed by noise, safety concerns, and limited outdoor space, the pandemic catalyzed a longing for familiarity and safety. The isolation of lockdowns intensified her desire to return to a place that held cherished memories. Eventually, Mount and her husband bought a house not far from her childhood home, allowing them to create new memories while reconnecting with the past.
The joys of suburban life have flourished for Mount and her daughter, who are now able to enjoy the outdoors in ways that reflect her own childhood experiences. From tricycle rides to building snowmen, the author finds delight in sharing the simple pleasures of nature and play with her daughter. The family’s backyard has become a hub of activity, featuring a newly constructed swing set reminiscent of the one her father built years ago. Mount’s daughter has also embraced the local nature and science museum, marveling at exhibits that once captivated her mother. The nostalgia continues as she participates in swim lessons at the same pool where Mount learned to swim, creating a beautiful intergenerational connection.
Ultimately, Mount’s story is a celebration of rediscovering the magic of childhood in a familiar setting. While Philadelphia offered a wealth of attractions, the smaller, less overwhelming environment of her hometown has proven to be ideal for her daughter’s growth and exploration. Mount’s experience highlights the importance of roots and the joy of sharing family traditions, demonstrating that sometimes the best decision is to return to the places where our hearts first found joy. This journey back home has not only enriched her daughter’s life but has also deepened Mount’s appreciation for the simple, yet profound, moments that define family life.
The author, seen on the left when she was younger, is enjoying watching her daughter, right, do the same things she did when she grew up.
Courtesy of Sara Rowe Mount
After living in Philadelphia, I was worried that moving home would feel like a step backward.
We’ve been back for four years, and it definitely was the best decision for my family.
Sharing things I did as a child and places I loved with my daughter has been special.
When my husband and I got married in 2015, I
moved from my suburban hometown
in Delaware to Philadelphia. We loved the proximity to arts and culture events and museums, the access to public transportation, and the ability to walk to some of our favorite restaurants.
Living in a city also came with its negatives: noise and safety issues, as well as limited outdoor space. When we became parents, these issues became even more challenging. So, when we decided to move again four years ago, we made the choice not only to trade the city for the suburbs, but also to
move back to my hometown
.
I was conflicted at first about moving back to my hometown
After
living in Philadelphia
for over five years, I was concerned that moving back to my suburban hometown would feel like a step backward. Moving away from home to bigger and better things seems like a rite of passage during young adulthood. But the lockdowns and isolation of the pandemic took their toll.
The things that we had been struggling with about living in a city got worse, and I felt trapped at home with a toddler who couldn’t wear a mask. Longing for a feeling of normality and safety, moving back to an area that was familiar and comfortable felt like the best choice for our family. We ended up
purchasing a house
that was not far from my childhood home.
My daughter has blossomed in the suburbs with more outdoor space
Over the past four years, we’ve taken numerous walks, tricycle rides, and scooter rides around our neighborhood. In the fall, we watch all the leaves change from green to gold and rust. In spring, my daughter puddle-hops along the streets, and in winter, she builds snowmen in the front yard, just like I did as a child. We’ve
planted our own garden
, growing tomatoes and strawberries, and have been slightly more successful than my siblings and I were.
Late last spring, my dad and husband worked together to construct a swing set in our backyard, while my daughter raced around, delivering screws and holding brackets. Years ago, my grandfather and dad also built a swing set in the backyard of my
childhood home
that my siblings and I used into our teenage years.
In our outdoor space, we have been able to enjoy a lot of the special memories I have from growing up: running through the sprinkler on hot summer days, kicking soccer balls around the yard, and watching the bunnies and cardinals that make our yard our home.
The author, seen on the left, took swimming lessons when she was younger at the same place her daughter, right, is now taking them.
Courtesy of Sara Rowe Mount
I’ve also enjoyed sharing the places I enjoyed as a child with my daughter
Our local nature and science museum has become one of my daughter’s favorite places. While a lot has changed over the years, I still get to see her wonder at the same giant clam shell and stuffed animal specimens that I did and pretend to swim over the underfloor coral reef that I was always too scared to walk over.
Last year, she took another plunge into the past when she became the third generation to take
swim lessons
at a local pool. Ironically, it looks pretty much the same, but thankfully, neither my daughter nor I had to use loaner wool bathing suits like my mom did.
When we were in Philadelphia, we had access to a bigger zoo, multiple art museums, and a huge variety of restaurants. But our small state’s little zoo, museums, and state parks have turned out to be perfect for my daughter because they aren’t overwhelming or overstimulating. And rather than feeling trite, sharing things I did as a child and places I loved with my daughter has felt a bit magical.
Read the original article on
Business Insider
