A few weeks ago, Defining Wonderland hosted a blog giveaway in which the entry required leaving a comment regarding something that you have learned from children. While I sat for a few minutes thinking about which one comment I would leave, I came to the realization that some of my simplest and most favorite lessons learned have come from children.
Not all children look the same, but caring for something that relies solely upon you can be incredibly demanding, but also incredibly rewarding. Never underestimate the love that pet parents have for their “children.” - That being said, being a human parent is a full-time job whereas a pet parent can at least stick their child in a cage. Also, being a full-time mother is one of the most challenging positions I know of. After watching my sister-in-law Katie raise six children with amazing patience and unconditional love, and witnessing my sister-in-law Kirsten handle new mom responsibilities and lifestyle changes with joy and an astonishing calmness- my deepest respect goes out to mothers everywhere. Children are amazing, but the moms behind them are even more amazing.
Sometimes the best moments in life are truly free. Like when your heart is irrevocably stolen by the first time your Godson falls asleep in your arms. - The kids’ table at family events is hands down always going to be where the party is at. Silverware is simply a waste of time, backwards dinners are the only way to eat, and food on your face is your bragging rights of just how amazing your food was. When you want more milk to go with your cake someone will fill that glass up for you too- no questions asked- because you are just so stinking adorable. Food fights, picking off each other’s plates, and leaving or feeding the vegetables to the family dog are also common and totally acceptable.
- Fear as a child is unknown. Bike riding, roller blading, becoming a lemonade stand millionaire- you name it and it is possible. In fact, children are relentless with their will to succeed. They can fall and get right back up and try again, because failure is unknown. Imagine an adult mindset like that…
Smiles are contagious, in children and adults. Smile, often. - Life is too short to worry about every single thing. Get messy, play outside, don’t worry about what you look like, have fun and enjoy every single moment.
- Brutal honesty is the only way to go about life. Do not ask a child a question unless you want their honest answer. Sometimes, no question is needed and they are kind enough to offer their opinion on their own. Their innocence and view of the world at their young age makes for some entertaining conversation and/or one-liners. If only adults could adopt this mindset, think " target="_blank" title="The Invention of Lying">The Invention of Lying.
- Happiness is the most important thing to consider at all times. Children makes decisions based on what brings them the greatest amount of happiness, and then they run with it without any once of doubt. Do homework or play outside? Eat veggies or ice cream? Get a dog or a cat…or both? (Because not having an animal is not an option). Should I play with chalk or paint? Being active is essential and as long as they are going to be active, they are going to be happy as well. Life lesson to take from this: start considering happiness more in decision making than material objects, societal status, money, etc. First question to answer, “Will I be happy?”
Special thanks to Eric’s brother for use of this timeless photo!
- My most favorite lesson I saved for last, and that is watching the world through the eyes of a child. I often tell others that my most favorite place to people watch is the Magic Kingdom, as there is a magic in a child’s eyes when they first see Cinderella Castle that I have not found anywhere else. Children can see beauty, possibilities and endless amounts of pure bliss without any other thought in the world mattering. Seeing life though your own eyes is one thing, but seeing it by watching a five-year old discover it is altogether priceless.
Those are my top 10 favorite lessons learned from children, but I know there are plenty more. What would you add to this list?