10 childhood punishments that as adults feel like rewards
As adults trudging through endless to-do lists, group chats and work emails, we’d pay good money to be ordered to go to bed early or to spend a weekend stuck in the house.
When we were kids, being punished felt like the end of the world. A slightly raised eyebrow from a parent could send us spiralling into dramatic despair. No TV? No sweets? Grounded for the weekend? How could they do this to us? We were certain we’d never recover.
But fast forward a couple of decades, and guess what? All those “horrific” consequences now sound like unfiltered luxury. As adults trudging through endless to-do lists, group chats and work emails, we’d pay good money to be ordered to go to bed early or to spend a weekend stuck in the house.
It turns out the things we once saw as cruel and unusual punishment were actually acts of mercy. Our parents weren’t trying to ruin our lives; they were giving us a head start on self-care. Here are 10 childhood punishments that now feel like absolute rewards…
Early bedtime
Then: “But it’s still light outside! This is so unfair!”
Now: “Wait, I get to put on pyjamas at 7pm and not talk to anyone until tomorrow? Bliss.”
These days, an early bedtime is the ultimate self-care. Chuck in a weighted blanket and a podcast, and you’re practically at a wellness retreat.
Being sent to your room
Then: “Nooooo! I’m bored!”
Now: “Oh no, please don’t send me to the one place where I can scroll, snack and avoid all social interaction.”
Your childhood self wouldn’t believe how much you now crave solitude in your own space, preferably with snacks and a charging cable.
No dessert
Then: “I hate it here.”
Now: “To be honest, I’m full and slightly lactose intolerant anyway.”
Denying yourself dessert now feels less like torture and more like responsible adulting. (Plus, you will eat it later in bed, so who are we kidding?)
“No TV tonight”
Then: “But my show’s on!”
Now: “Excellent. No pressure to binge seven episodes. I can just… stare at the wall and recharge.”
A night without TV once meant heartbreak. Now, it’s a mindful choice. Sometimes, we don’t even finish our series!
Grounded for the Weekend
Then: “I’ll never have a social life again!”
Now: “Sorry, I can’t go out. I’ve been ‘grounded’ (by burnout and a desire not to leave my house).”
Being grounded as an adult is called cancelled plans, and it’s the highlight of the month.
Having to eat your vegetables
Then: “But I don’t like them.”
Now: “This rocket salad is zesty and delightful, actually.”
We’ve gone from hiding peas under mash to Googling “how to roast broccoli like a chef.” Who are we?
Nap time
Then: “I’m not even tired!”
Now: “A mid-afternoon lie down? With no meetings? Yes, please!”
Naps were once an affront to our freedom. Now, they’re a precious act of defiance against the chaos of adult life.
Told to be quiet
Then: “But I have SO MUCH to say!”
Now: “You mean I don’t have to talk? Say less. Literally.”
Being told to “zip it” once hurt our chatty little souls. Now, silence is golden, especially when there’s no expectation to make small talk.
Having your phone taken away
Then: “My whole life is on that phone!”
Now: “Please, someone lock it in a drawer so I can finish a book without checking WhatsApp.”
We hated being unplugged. Now we romanticise digital detoxes like we’re in a cabin in the Cotswolds.
No pocket money this week
Then: “But I wanted to buy stuff!”
Now: “Honestly, I’d love someone to take control of my finances before I spend another £40 on moisturiser that I don’t need.”
We’ve gone from sulking over sweets to begging someone to stop us from impulse-buying tat in bulk on TikTok shop.
Growing up felt like a battle for independence. But adulthood? It’s realising that all those “punishments” were, in fact, indulgence in disguise.
So next time you find yourself voluntarily tucked up in bed by nine with a cup of tea and no plans to socialise, just remember that your mum was onto something.
Now if only someone would force us to tidy our rooms.
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