5 Simple Lessons we Can Learn from Young Children
Stop and Listen
I’m posting this under “kid care” because I think it fits. In order for us, as adults, to learn the lessons I will talk about from our children, we must listen to them. I think listening to our children is one of, if not the most effective way to show we care for them. Self-worth comes from feeling like your opinion counts, and feeling like you’re being listened to. Children have a lot to teach us, if we’d only slow down and see the world through their eyes. They really are an example of how to live life to the fullest.
Lesson Number 1
Slow down. You’re moving too fast.
Why are we always in such a hurry? And what do we miss when we rush through our days trying to get too much done? I’ll tell you what. We miss the wind in the trees; the bees gathering pollen that will eventually tantalize our taste buds with honey. We miss saying hi to a complete stranger and perhaps brightening their day. My children always have time, and the smiles they bring to faces every day because they don’t have an agenda to fill is simply wondrous. If we were all in a little less of a hurry, we could take more time to enjoy the simple beauty around us.
Lesson Number 2
Live in the moment.
This is a biggie. I used to always be thinking about the past. Often it would make me sad or depressed. Then I would think about the future, and what I hoped to accomplish, but had not yet done. This often made me feel overwhelmed. So much to do but so little time is what we are accustomed to hearing. Living in the moment is one of the best ways I can be true to myself. What do we really have in life? We have the now. Enjoy it. Watch a child play, or dance or run outside. Watch them become distracted by a butterfly gliding on the wind. If we could live more in the beauty of the moment, as children do, we could be free spirits, as children are.
Lesson Number 3
Feel the anger and then let it go.
Have you ever seen a child get raging mad at another child? Sometimes they lash out by hitting, spewing harsh words, biting or grabbing toys away from each other. And then 3 minutes later the issue is resolved and they go on playing like nothing at all happened! Can you imagine the stress we could save ourselves if we could quickly let go of our anger and forgive? This could possibly be the first step to world peace!
Lesson Number 4
Strangers are friends.
In this lesson I’m thinking about when we go to the park and my son sees a group of kids he’s never met before playing tag. He’ll say “Look mommy, there’s some friends”. He’s already decided that they’re worth playing with and he’s already decided that he’s going to have fun. There’s no judgement there. The next time you find yourself in a social situation with complete strangers, strike up a conversation. You might end up having a really good time!
Lesson Number 5
Start your day with enthusiasm.
Each day my children wake up, jump out of bed and get right to play. There’s no time to stop and reflect on what needs to be done or the fact that they’ll have to clean up the toys later. They just want to get right to it because it’s there and because it’s fun. Enthusiasm is contagious and almost impossible to not respond to. Be enthusiastic, and others will share in your fun!
These 5 simple lessons I’ve learned from watching and interacting with my children. I’m lucky in that I have them around to constantly remind me of these things. I’ve always known it’s my job to foster their growth and provide them with the tools to be all they can be. What I wasn’t bargaining on was that they were going to do the exact same thing for me. The self growth they have inspired in me and the simple lessons they live every day, are a constant reminder of how beautiful life is.
Wonderfully written! I especially love the last few lines where you say that your children are as much your teacher as you are theirs. Perfect!!
I loved this article and it is very well written — a reminder that those special everyday moments are what brings meaning to our lives — you’re an inspiration erthmom!