12 Things That Showed You Were Privileged as a Kid
You probably don’t realize it, but the little things from your childhood, those seemingly random experiences, may have been more than just “normal” life. They were markers of privilege.
For instance, according to the Youth Sports Business Report, kids from homes earning $100,000 or more are twice as likely to play travel sports as those from homes earning under $50,000 or from lower-income families. Think about it: while you were running around in your team uniform, some kids were left dreaming of playing in those leagues.
It’s not just sports. It’s your bookshelf, your summer camp experience, even the braces on your teeth. All of these little things stacked up to give you an advantage that many others didn’t have. But how often do we stop and realize how much of this we took for granted? Spoiler alert: Privilege shows up in places we don’t even recognize, and it shapes everything from how we see the world to how far we can go in life.
A Personal “Home Library” (80+ Books)
Okay, let me guess, you had a bookshelf stacked with books, huh? Not just a few dog-eared paperbacks but like, a legit library at home? If you did, congrats, you were a bookish kid, and that’s a privilege that pays off. Homes with 80+ books are linked to kids who read better, perform well in school, and grow up to be pretty well-rounded adults.
While some kids were rolling up to school with their single copy of The Cat in the Hat, you were over here flexing with the entire Harry Potter series. “Hey, want to trade a book?” except that you had so many, you probably didn’t even know which one to pick! But hey, when you have hundreds of books, you’ve got endless opportunities for success.
Participation in “Pay-to-Play” Youth Sports
So, you played travel sports, huh? Look at you, living the good life. Kids from homes earning $100,000 or more are two times more likely to play travel sports than those from homes making under $50,000, as noted by Youth Sports Business Report. Don’t worry, that’s not because they weren’t athletic enough, it’s because their parents didn’t have an extra grand to throw at a sport.
Let’s talk about privilege here. While you were perfecting your soccer skills in a fancy league, other kids were getting the best workout by running after the ice cream truck. Ever wondered why your soccer team had those snazzy uniforms while others were stuck with hand-me-downs? Yeah, that’s privilege right there, spending money on sports leagues like it’s pocket change.
Orthodontic Treatment (“The Braces Gap”)
Braces, the glorious metal smile. If you had braces as a kid, then boom, you were living the privileged dream. According to PubMed Central, 58% of families reported that orthodontic treatment was a financial burden, yet it remained a significant social status symbol. Let’s be honest, while your pearly whites were gleaming, other kids were stuck with the unique charm of crooked teeth.
Now, if your smile was straight from the start, congratulations, but for many, braces are the sign of privilege. It’s not just about looking good; let’s face it, a straight smile helps with job interviews, dating, and, well, looking less like you’ve been chewing on rocks. But hey, a crooked smile is character, right?
Sleepaway Summer Camp
Ah, sleepaway camp—the dream summer getaway, complete with new friends, s’mores, and just a dash of homesickness. If you went, you were living the luxury of a childhood. At $173 per day (yep, that’s over $1,200 a week), sleepaway camp isn’t exactly the cheapest vacation, USA Today notes. While some kids were grateful for their backyard pool and a box of crackers, you were off learning archery in the woods like some kind of elite survivalist.
Let’s get real, some of us spent our summers learning how to avoid yard work, while others were learning how to survive on their own at camp. Ever had that one friend who came back from camp looking like a whole new person? Yeah, that’s not just the glow-up; it’s privilege in action.
Private School Enrollment
Private school kids, what are they even teaching you there that we didn’t get in public school? Oh, right, probably how to grow up with a head start in life. If you were one of the privileged ones who went to private school, consider yourself in the “exclusive club.” Meanwhile, the rest of us were just trying to survive overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and the chaos that was dodgeball in gym class.
Meanwhile, public school kids like you (and me) were dodging overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and praying the Wi‑Fi held out long enough to submit homework. And let’s not forget the chaos of dodgeball in gym class, that was our “extracurricular.” So yeah, private school wasn’t just about learning algebra; it was about being set up for success before the rest of us even had a chance.
Personal Digital Ownership (The “Hardware Gap”)
Did you have your own computer? A personal device just for you? Well, someone was living the digital dream. If you didn’t have to fight your siblings for screen time, consider yourself lucky. According to Statista, 33% of kids from lower-income households don’t even have their own computer; compare that to 6% of wealthier families, and now you see just how much of an advantage you had.
You’ve got to play games, watch YouTube, and actually do your homework without getting your turn cut short. Meanwhile, other kids were fighting over the family computer like it was the last lifeboat on the Titanic. If you had your own device, you didn’t just have tech, you had privilege.
Music Lessons (Piano/Violin)
So, you were taking music lessons, huh? You probably thought it was normal to be playing the violin or learning piano at age 7, right? Spoiler alert: Not every kid gets that opportunity. While many kids today are involved in extracurricular activities, as noted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the cost can be a huge barrier for families with low incomes. Private lessons often run $50 an hour or more, and that’s before you even get into the cost of the instruments themselves.
But hey, if you were over here mastering Für Elise, you were living a privileged life, no doubt. While you were playing Mozart, other kids were stuck with whatever free music was available, if they were lucky. But hey, being able to whip out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” on the piano? That is privilege in musical form.
Having Your Own Bedroom (Space Privacy)
Remember your bedroom? That little slice of heaven where you could close the door and finally get some peace? If you had your own room, congratulations, you had a luxury that many kids in the U.S. can only dream of. Overcrowding is a real issue here, with many children forced to share beds with their parents or siblings because their families can’t afford enough space.
Having your own space isn’t just about getting away from your siblings; it’s about mental health, focus, and just plain privacy. If you could retreat to your room after a long day, take a deep breath, and just exist, well, that’s privilege talking. So, next time you grumble about your room being messy, remember that having your own space is a privilege many don’t have.
A 529 College Savings Plan
Did your parents start saving for college? If so, they were thinking ahead, and you, my friend, were living the privileged life. Families with 529 college savings plans typically have a medium account balance of $11,000 to $17,000 saved for their kids’ future. Meanwhile, others are just trying to scrape together enough to pay for books one semester at a time.
Having that college fund means you’re more likely to graduate with little to no debt. And, let’s be real, debt-free college sounds like the dream. For those without a 529 plan? They’re starting adulthood with student loan debt. So yeah, if your college tuition is covered, that’s a privilege.
Parental “Concerted Cultivation.”
If your parents actively shaped your hobbies, interests, and social skills, you were benefiting from concerted cultivation. According to the Political Economy Research Institute, High-income parents spend significantly more time on “interactive care” (playing, reading, talking) than on “passive care” (watching TV nearby), compared with low-income parents. This difference creates a gap in how kids learn to interact with adults and authority figures.
This active approach to parenting helps kids develop better communication skills and social ease. As a result, they’re more likely to excel in school and career opportunities. So, if your parents were always pushing you to try new things or meet new people, you were definitely getting a privileged upbringing.
Avoiding the “Summer Slide.”
Ever heard of the “summer slide”? It’s the term for kids losing academic skills over the summer break. Privileged kids, however, tend to gain knowledge during this time, often through vacations, summer camps, or structured activities. Meanwhile, kids from lower-income families might not have access to the same experiences, leading to a loss in reading and math skills.
Summer is supposed to be a time for fun, but for some, it’s a time for academic catch-up. Privileged kids keep their brains busy with trips to museums, educational camps, and family adventures, while others get stuck in the “summer slump.” It’s crazy how a few months off school can make such a big difference in skill development.
Quality Early Childhood Education
Did you attend preschool before kindergarten? If you did, that’s a big deal. Quality early childhood education can cost as much as college tuition. It’s a luxury that sets kids up for success right from the start. Wealthy families can afford the best preschools, while others are just trying to find any childcare option available.
That early advantage? It’s a privilege that stays with you. Kids who go to high-quality preschool are better prepared for the school years ahead, and that head start lasts a lifetime. So if you got that leg up, know you had a privileged childhood, even if you didn’t realize it at the time.
Key Takeaways
Throughout childhood, seemingly small advantages, like attending sleepaway camp or having a personal computer, can create lasting disparities in opportunities. When you had the luxury of attending private school or receiving orthodontic care, you weren’t just getting a better education or a straighter smile; you were given a head start. These privileges, often linked to family income, open doors to networks, experiences, and skills that others miss out on. It’s easy to overlook, but privilege often defines the opportunities we take for granted.
What might seem like ordinary experiences, like having books at home, taking music lessons, or even just having your own bedroom, can be markers of social and economic privilege. In fact, research shows that children from homes with over 80 books are more likely to succeed academically, underscoring the unspoken advantage of a home library. These little things, often invisible to us, contribute to building a foundation for success that others can’t always access, regardless of their potential.
It’s not about guilt, it’s about understanding how privilege impacts life trajectories. Recognizing the privileges we had growing up helps us be more empathetic and more active in leveling the playing field for others. Whether it’s through advocating for equal access to education, affordable extracurriculars, or better community resources, understanding privilege is the key to fostering a more equitable future for all kids. In the end, it’s not just about how much you have, it’s about what others don’t have access to.
Disclosure line: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
7 morning Rituals Women Swear By for More Energy and Confidence
7 Morning Rituals Women Swear By for More Energy and Confidence
Morning rituals don’t have to be complicated. A glass of water, a quick stretch, five minutes with your journal — these small things stack up to create significant change. Women who build these habits aren’t just “morning people”; they’re people who decided to take charge of their first hour of the day.
Why Your Daily Coffee Could Be the Secret to Better Wellness
Why Your Daily Coffee Could Be the Secret to Better Wellness
Coffee is more than a pick-me-up. It’s a beverage linked to improved brain health, metabolic strength, heart resilience, and even a longer life. With antioxidants and plant compounds working alongside caffeine, it’s no wonder researchers call it one of the most powerful wellness drinks available.
