Currently, Myanmar, and in particular Yangon, is in the process of huge social, economic and political change. While there seems to be growing opportunity for some, the impact of this growth and change is not always clear, particularly in the way that it has already begun to affect the poor; food prices, rental and transport costs are all increasing, putting growing pressure on disadvantaged families and individuals. There have been some attempts by the government to consult with communities about these changes; however, seldom, if ever, are the thoughts and voices of children taken into consideration. In the context of this massive change, this article identifies and reflects upon the factors that affect the lives, behaviour and aspirations of a small group of children in a poor urban township of Yangon. The author has been a voluntary teacher in their community for the past year and will draw on his own experience as well as interviews and focus group discussions with these children (boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 12?years) to better describe the way in which these children perceive their own childhood and the various social, cultural and economic factors that have an impact on it. The article also includes a comparison with (memories of) the author’s own childhood, acknowledging the potential impact this might have on objectivity as well as helping to broaden the picture that emerges about childhood in modern-day Myanmar.