The Kids Should Teach The Grownups
When we grow up we often forget what it was like to be a kid. We're told to act our age but there are some things kids do that we should hold on to. Adults can learn valuable lessons from their younger peers. From keeping a curious and open mind to a lack of fear and judgment, these are children's traits we should never grow out of.
1. Ask Questions
Once they learn to talk, kids ask questions about everything and we don't always have the answers. At some point we become numb to things in life we're accustomed to and forget to ponder. We should continue to ask questions as adults to get a better understanding of what we don't know. Maybe you can answer your toddler the next time they ask why the sky is blue.
2. Keep An Open Mind
Kids' minds absorb new information like a sponge. They naturally have open minds that allow them to learn without any bias. If more adults had an open-minded approach to such things as society and politics, the world be a more peaceful place. We should fully listen to others with different points of view before we fixate on our opinion.
3. Greeting Strangers
Children brighten people's day when they greet them with an enthusiastic wave on the sidewalk. They're not afraid to acknowledge a stranger's existence or spark up a conversation with a neighbor. As we get older we tend to keep to ourselves more and don't talk to people we don't know. Next time you're walking by a pedestrian, see how a simple "Hello!" can make you feel.
4. Disregard Their Appearance
Messy hair, don't care. Kids don't check themselves out in the mirror very much until they get older and more self conscious. If parents allowed it, they'd wear whatever they wanted, like mis-matched socks or a Superman costume. If adults cared less about their looks we'd have less stress and self-harm.
5. Stay Curious
Kids are curious creatures. They're fascinated by everything and willing to learn and experiment. We should never let go of our curiosity–– that's how we continue to learn and discover new things as adults. With our curiosity we can keep our minds sharp and our lives more interesting.
6. Observe Nature Up Close
Kids are seeing the world for the first time so a lot of nature is new to them. They inspect bugs in the grass and pick up leaves and debris falling from the trees. Observing nature up close is a connection many adults tend to lose. When we pay close attention to Mother Earth we can learn a lot about the world and gain more appreciation and a willing to protect it.
7. Naturally Mindful
Since everything is new to them, toddlers are practicing mindfulness constantly. They're living presently in the moment and observing their surroundings deeply. Although this comes naturally when we first arrive Earth side, it gets harder to practice as we age. If more adults were intentionally mindful we would benefit greatly, from less accidents to a better understanding of each other.
8. Be Silly!
If there's any trait we can hold onto it should be our goofiness. Yes, there are times to be mature and responsible but we should take life a little less seriously other times. Kids like to be silly and their laughter is contagious. It's free therapy to goof around and laugh at yourself out loud.
9. Coloring & Crafts
Coloring and crafting are daily activities for many kids. A lot of people quit making art when they get older for several reasons, whether it's lack of time or lack of confidence. The surge in adult coloring books has risen over the past few years, alluding to the need for art in our adult lives. Simply coloring on paper has major benefits for your mental health and skill set.
10. Express Their Emotions
Kids have no filter. Although it can get them into trouble sometimes, they often speak their minds instead of bottling everything up inside. They're not afraid to cry in public or throw down a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket. We're not saying an adult tantrum is the best advice but we should express our true emotions more often than holding them back.
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11. No Fear
When we're young we have no fear. We try new things and take risks without overthinking and feeling self-conscious. Of course, this is when the adults step in when the kids want to cliff jump into the lake, but it's their bravery that shines through. We often lose our confidence as we age or talk ourselves out of trying new things.
12. Care-free Relaxation
Oh, to be a kid again! Kids don't think about to-do lists and work schedules and what's for dinner so they can relax whenever they feel like it. Adults have responsibilities and too often we neglect relaxation in our busy itineraries. When we do have some down time, we forget how to relax.
13. Make Friends With Anyone
Little ones generally see everyone as equals. They make friends with whoever is around them whether they're at the park or in the classroom. When we're young we're not afraid to introduce ourselves or join a group that's playing a game. Why do we become more cliquey when we're older?
14. Use Their Imagination
When we grow up our imaginations become obsolete. Adults tend to see the world with a different lens and forget to dream or believe in magic. We encourage children to partake in imaginative play, why do we not inspire adults to do the same?
15. Learn New Skills
Kids are constantly learning new skills. Parents sign their kiddos up for music classes, swimming lessons, and teach them to ride a bike. If a kid wants to learn to dance, nothing holds them back. As adults we tend to shy away from learning new skills because we think we're too old. We need to change this unhealthy mindset–– you're never too old to learn a new skill!
16. Get Messy
Whether it's their dinner or their paint, kids will wear it. They splash in puddles, let their hair fly in the wind, and use their fingers as paintbrushes. Getting messy shows you're really into what you're doing and appearance doesn't matter. A little dirt never hurt.
17. Play Games
From board games to hide-and-seek, kids play all kinds of games. Games aren't only fun but they help develop social, cognitive, and problem-solving skills as well. Although there are many adult games, many of us don't play as often as we should.
18. Less Judgement
Most little kids don't notice age, ethnicity, class, and so on. They don't know how to judge a book by its cover even if they tried. They don't care about the car you drive or what you look like. They also sing out loud without caring about their tone or pitch. Adults often judge one another before they know the truth and that's not cool.
19. Take Naps
Why do we stop nap time when we're older? Naps are beneficial to our well-being and our energy. There is science-backed evidence to prove naps improve our productivity. We work hard and we deserve to nap like a baby!
20. Unconditional Love
Kids can be like puppies–– they may or may not not lick your face but they're bursting with unconditional love. If they love you than they'll continue to love you no matter what. They love you for who you are and not your status. Grownups often have expectations and hold on to grudges for too long. Instead, let's continue to love the things that actually matter.
