a letter to the ones whose childhood was cut a little short

"Grow up," they all say. But what no one seems to realise is that, for some, growing up isn't so much of a blessing. From having no friends to dealing with abusive parents at home, they had no choice but to grow up, at the mere age of just 11. I'm sorry you were forced to face the harshness of life so young. Having to grow up is hard enough, but having to do it so long before you are actually prepared for it is unfair. 

"Growing up" has an entirely different meaning to you than it does to the rest of the generation. When most kids were worrying about what games to play, you were worrying about how to make your little siblings happy without things that normal kids have. When most kids were making fake food in their plastic kitchen set, you were worrying about making dinner for your family because your parents were not around to do it. When most kids were playing dress up, you were worrying about getting your siblings dressed and ready for school. When most kids were looking for new clothes to buy, you were worrying about how to do your laundry all on your own. When most kids were worrying about their parents getting everything for them, you were worrying about how to spend enough time with both of your parents separately. 

This is for the kids who got their childhoods ruined for them. The kids who didn’t get to enjoy playing dress up or race around the house with monster trucks. The kids who hated when their friends yelled at their parents because you knew what it felt like to not be so fortunate. The kids who knew way too much about life way too early. The kids who never knew what a happy family looks like. The kids who had to let go of what they truly wanted, just to avoid making their parents mad. The kids who don't know what love feels like. 

//You can let it go,

You can throw a party full of everyone you know,

And not invite your family 'cause they never showed you love,

You don't have to be sorry for leaving' and growing up// 

'Matilda' is for all of the kids whose childhood was cut a little short. I know you wish you could hit pause and just live a normal childhood like everyone else. I know you get insecure every time someone tells you about how wonderful their childhood was. I know all you want is to go back in time and live your childhood again, in a much better way this time. But trust me, you are stronger and more independent than you think you are, use it as an advantage. How do you love yourself when you realise that people like your parents didn’t love you or at least control themselves enough to not show it? You begin to understand that you have the power and control over your own life- something they can’t take away from you. It’s time you allow yourself to take control and make the conscious decision to do something that makes you happy, instead of something that keeps holding you down.

//You can see the world, following the seasons

Anywhere you go, you don't need a reason

‘Cause they never showed you love

You don't have to be sorry for doing it on your own//

Focus on who you truly are, who you want to be and what you have achieved. Remember what you have lived through and how much stronger you are from it. You figured out how to still push through with a smile on your face while still fearing what would happen when you went back home. You endured what no child should ever have to, but you did, in fact, endure it.

You deserve a break every once in a while- take a moment and appreciate everything you've accomplished. You have already done so much, and it's okay to let someone else take over for a while. You always have room to grow and don't be too hard on yourself for making mistakes, learn from it. It sucks to have to act like a grownup when you’re only a kid. Now that you’re older, always remember that it is okay to act like a kid sometimes. And most importantly, always remember : you are not alone. 

To all the 'Matilda'(s) out there: You deserve all the happiness in the world, even if it's not with the people you imagined. It's okay to let go at times - trust me, it's always worth it. 

With so much love and the brightest wishes for your future, 

From one Matilda to another,

Luvina <3