The innocence of little children can’t be measured. As we grow older, our perspectives change drastically, and some of our past memories take on an entirely different meaning. In a recent Reddit thread, users shared their shocking and rather disturbing childhood experiences. Let’s take a look at some of these stories that will make you appreciate the resilience of children.

1. A Hospital Visit

When one Reddit user was just five years old, their mother suddenly fell ill and had to be taken to the hospital. The user thought it was cool that their mother got to do arts and crafts at the hospital. It wasn’t until they were much older that they realized their mother had actually been staying at a mental health hospital. This experience taught them that there’s nothing wrong with seeking help and therapy when needed, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

2. Jail or Prison?

Another user shared their surprise upon discovering that not everyone has been to jail or prison. They thought it was a normal part of life until they moved to the suburbs and met people who knew nothing about such experiences.

3. Nightmares and Break-ins

As a child, one user had recurring nightmares about a shadowy figure entering their parents’ room. They believed that hiding under their sheet fort would keep them safe. It wasn’t until they got older that they learned that someone had actually broken into their house when they were a child. Their brave and pregnant mother had chased the intruder away with a metal pipe. This realization made them appreciate their mother’s courage even more.

4. Mysterious Pizza Coupons

When they were nine years old, one Reddit user’s father claimed to have won free pizza coupons. The user remembers their father making them order the pizza and answer the door to receive the free pizza. It was only later that they realized their father had obtained the coupons through less genuine means. This experience taught them about the importance of honesty and integrity.

5. Witnessing an Arrest

Another user recalled a time when they were riding with their grandmother and got pulled over by the police. It turned out that their grandmother had a warrant out for writing a bad check. They found it hilarious at the time, but looking back, they couldn’t believe they witnessed their grandma getting arrested.

6. Learning to Let Go

For one Reddit user, breaking a cup or spilling a drink used to be a big deal in their childhood. However, their perspective shifted when they saw their girlfriend looking at them like they’re crazy for apologizing excessively. It made them reevaluate their childhood and realize that certain accidents are just not a big deal.

7. The Struggles of a Parent

A user shared their experience of their father getting laid off from a job, and their family struggling for a year or so. Despite their own challenges, their father went above and beyond to take care of the family. He would wake up early every morning to make breakfast and do side jobs to make ends meet. This experience taught the user about the strength and sacrifice of parents.

8. Disappointing Discoveries

As a child, one Reddit user would often witness their father kissing other women. At the time, they didn’t think much of it since they thought it was just a normal greeting. However, a few years later, they discovered that their father was actually cheating on their mother. This revelation left them immensely disappointed.

9. Insensitive Remarks

Another user shared an experience where they made an insensitive comment to their grandmother about a miscarriage she had. They didn’t understand the gravity of their words at the time, but looking back, they realized how messed up it was. This experience taught them to be more empathetic and thoughtful with their words.

10. Deception and Betrayal

One user recounted a childhood memory of writing a note to their mother, expressing concern for their father’s unhappiness. Little did they know that their mother was openly cheating on their dad with her now-husband. The truth of their mother’s actions and the circumstances surrounding their younger half-brother’s conception came to light years later and was a significant revelation.

11. A Terrifying Encounter

A user recalled a frightening incident from their childhood when their father was physically attacked by two men who accused him of theft. The user was just a few feet away, unaware of the potential danger. This experience made them realize the possible outcomes of that encounter as they grew older.

12. Surviving a Natural Disaster

During a family vacation, one Reddit user and their mother narrowly escaped the devastating 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. They vividly remember dropping their drawing as they rushed to safety. In hindsight, they realized how a seemingly trivial concern during a life-threatening event reflected the innocence of childhood.

13. Unveiling the Truth

In fifth grade, a user’s English teacher shared her burnout from working long hours without an end in sight. It wasn’t until years later when the teacher abruptly quit that the user realized she had been teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown for years.

14. Innocence Lost

A user shared a haunting memory of encountering a girl at a park when they were young. They played together for an hour before leaving her alone. Later, they learned about a girl who had been abducted, and it made them reflect on the potential dangers they unknowingly avoided.

15. Manipulation and Betrayal

A user revealed the shocking truth about their mother’s past affair and manipulation. Their mother maintained a facade of having a child with another man from Spain, even though it wasn’t true. She guilted him into sending money for years, leading him to believe the child was his. This revelation showed the user the extent of their mother’s deceit and the role their stepfather played in the situation.

These stories highlight the resilience and innocence of children, while also shedding light on the harsh realities of the world. They remind us to appreciate the strength and courage it takes for children to navigate such experiences.