We are always trying to teach our children. New ideas, new concepts, new ways to do things. But when was the last time you let your child teach you something? The last time you quietly watched them and thought what can we learn from a child? I try to do this as much as possible and you might be surprised what adults can learn from kids! In fact, there are some great things to be learned if you open your mind and take a minute to look. Here are seven life lessons that you can learn from your child right now.
7 Lessons You Can Learn From Your Child:
Children are a wonderful blessing and I believe they teach us almost as much as we teach them! There is no limit to what adults can learn from kids. Just open you mind! The exchange of knowledge and perspectives can be mutually beneficial. Here are some valuable lessons that adults can learn from children:
1. Curiosity
Embrace childish curiosity. What will kids do if they want to know something bad enough? Thats right, they usually bug mom or dad. Kids ask a million and one questions. Then you think they’re through and they’ve got another million and two. They will keep asking and asking and asking right up to the point of driving you nuts. But guess what? They usually get some kind of answer. Kids use their curiosity to learn. Have you ever noticed that while adults are stepping on bugs, children are studying them? A child’s curiosity is what helps them learn and think and grow.
2. Excitement
When was the last time you were truly, crazily, unapologetically excited? So excited that you couldn’t sleep. You couldn’t think straight? Kids have a way of getting excited about daily, mundane things and this is an enthusiasm that we could all use more of. Learn from your child to look forward to the little things again. It might be a good meal, time with a friend, or simply a nap on a Saturday afternoon. Get excited and show that excitement… it is contagious!
3. Joy
Happiness. Clear, simple, smiley faced happiness. For no other reason than it’s a sunny day. It’s a rainy day. It’s ANY day! Kids are happy just to be alive. The get pure joy out of a fun game or a big cookie. Pizza on a Friday night sleep over is like winning the lottery! That is a major lesson that every adult could learn from and carry forward. Life is short and fleeting and we all deserve more pure, innocent joy.
4. Experimentation
Most kids will eagerly jump at the chance to try almost anything. Experimenting is part of childhood. Try a gross food. Explore a spooky cave. Put on crazy socks. Dissect that chemistry frog. What do you have to lose? Adults often lose the sense of adventure that goes along with trying new things. Maybe we are sacred, maybe we are worried about what others might think, maybe we are just too old and boring! Whatever the reason, it is high time that we get back to taking some risks and stepping outside the box. Outside our comfort zone. Experiment with something new now and then!
5. Optimism
Yep, the world is a tough place full of bad things and troubling times. It is a given that we all become jaded as we get older. It is easy to lose hope that things will work out for the best. But this is one area where you can really learn from your child and rely on kids to get you through. Children have not yet seen the heartaches and stress and trouble that adults see. Kids expect everything to be fine. They expect a better day tomorrow. They expect life to somehow just “work out!” Kids can remind us adults that not everything needs to be headed toward “gloom and doom” and, just maybe, we can indeed find a way to figure everything out. Trust me, there are worse things in the world than going through your day with the optimism of an eight year old!
6. Authenticity
Children are typically genuine and authentic in expressing their feelings and thoughts. Adults can benefit from being more authentic in their interactions, embracing vulnerability, and expressing themselves honestly.
7. Adaptability
Kids are quick learners and adaptable to change. They embrace new technologies and ideas without resistance. Adults can learn to be more adaptable, open to learning new skills, and embracing change.
Conclusion
In essence, adults can gain valuable insights from children by embracing qualities such as curiosity, creativity, fearlessness, living in the moment, authenticity, resilience, open-mindedness, playfulness, unconditional love, and adaptability. Cultivating these traits can contribute to personal growth and a more fulfilling life.
Adults can learn a lot from kids. Children are experts at living in the present moment. They find joy in simple things and appreciate the here and now. Adults can learn to be more mindful, letting go of past regrets and future worries to fully enjoy the present. What would you add to this list of what adults can learn from kids? What do your children help you remember or teach you a new appreciation for?
Rob Youngblood is a Dad, Keynote Speaker, Life and Communication Coach, Emmy Award Winning TV Host, Writer, and Storyteller.
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C. Lee Reed says
There’s a reason everything is better when we look at it through the eyes of a child. Every day they find something magical, regardless of whether it’s the holidays. I do remember this feeling when I was younger. And I hate that it is harder to experience joy and happiness at the small things now that “grown up” life is in the way. Thanks for the beautiful reminder to find it where you can.
Jill Robbins says
What an awesome reminder. Children take joy in the simplest parts of life. Makes me realize I need to rewind and soak it in more.
Amy Boyington says
I absolutely agree with these. I have two kids of my own and a preschool class of 3-4 year olds. I am amazed every day by how much excitement they get out of the smallest things. Give them some ice cubes, and they’ll find new uses for them and tell me all kinds of detailed stories. It’s so awesome. I learn so much from kids every day.
Heather says
Yes, children can teach us so many things if we only allow them. With their curious and imaginative mind, they surely have a lot of things to tell us. We just have to listen or watch them closely and quietly if how they do it. I definitely agree with all your points written here. I hope this will serve as guide to all parents that it’s really okay to learn something from your kids.
Andrea says
These are all so true! I am always amazed at my children’s optimism and joy. I also find their forgiveness inspiring. On really stressful days, if I am busy and can’t spend enough time with them, they don’t hold it against me.
Salma says
So many simple but great lessons to learn from the kids. In the flurry of everyday life, you often forget about these little things. Great reminder.
Anne Campbell says
Such sweet reminders. It’s always better to view things through the eyes of a child to really keep life in perspective. Thanks for the inspiration!
Crystal @ Castle View Academy says
These points are right on! I love the curiosity and questions of children, and their simple joy. I was reminded of this just this week as the kids oohed and awed over the Christmas lights we drove past – even just a single string of lights had almost the same reaction as a full yard done up. To be amazed at simple things is fantastic.