10 Things We Can Learn From Our Kids

10 Things

WE CAN LEARN FROM OUR KIDS

From the moment the baby leaves the womb until they are well and truly grown adults, parents are continuously teaching their kids. From how to recite the ABC, to toilet training and eating politely and minding their manners to what qualities to seek in friends and how to budget sensibly – parents are constantly teaching.

As busy teachers sometimes we forget that we still have a lot to learn ourselves - and in fact we can actually learn a lot from our kids!

HERE ARE 10 THINGS THAT ALL PARENTS CAN LEARN FROM THEIR CHILDREN:

1Smile when you look in the mirror Children start out in life using the mirror as a source of entertainment and amusement to smile at themselves and have fun. Remember that the next time when you are using it to judge yourself and size up your ‘perceived’ flaws!

2

Be courageouS

Sing out loud, wear what you want, dance when you feel like it. Children are far more likely to put themselves out there and embrace life without fear of failure or humiliation as they have yet to be beaten down or experienced failure. Children embrace life with open arms and are not yet fearful to try new things and take risks. Try and take a leaf out of your child’s book and move forward with courage not worrying about failing or about what people think.

3

have fun and laugh

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin. Children have an intrinsic ability to find fun and silliness everywhere – they find the smallest and simplest things hilarious. Start laughing more and worrying less.

4Be confident

When have you ever seen a 7 year old run from the water at the beach to hide behind a cover up? They don’t because they have a natural confidence in themselves. Start believing in yourself and be confident in how you look, who you are and what you can do.

5

focuS on the good

Aside of the occasional argument, kids take their friends at face value and simply enjoy being in their company and having fun. As adults we are quick to jump to conclusions, make assumptions and dwell on peoples shortcomings – stop over analysing things and focus on the positives.

6Be affectionate

Kids are naturally affectionate creatures always looking for a snuggle or a hug or an endearing compliment. As we grow older many of us forget the importance of affection. We often think that our family should simply know how much we love them and forget that sometimes a soft touch goes a long way.

7

find the extraordinary in the ordinary

There is beauty all around us but most of the time we are just too busy or preoccupied to notice it. Children tend to notice and appreciate the small things in life a lot more than grown ups. From the colours of a rainbow to the fun to be had in putting together a simple puzzle – kids find pleasure in the simple things.

8Be active

When you were young the highlight of your day was running outside and playing, chasing your friends in a game of tip, riding your bike, doing cartwheels at the drop of a hat and simply playing. These activities were not thought of as daily ‘exercise’ they were simply fun activities that you loved and also got you moving. Find things to do that keep you active but that also provide you with pleasure.

9live in the now

Put the smartphone down and look up and enjoy the moment. Too often we spend time distracted by work, family, problems and surroundings that we forget to live in the present and truly enjoy life’s experiences, Kids have a natural ability to live in the moment and enjoy things just as they are – something many a parent can learn from. 10 wear your S proudly carS

When a child breaks a bone and gets a cast they become superstars of the year group with everyone scrambling to sign the plaster. When a child falls down and gets a cut or a bruise they are not afraid to show you – they wear their scars proudly. As we get older we become less willing to show any sign of weakness and hide our scars – not wanting pity or attention. But what children recognize and adults forget - scars are not a sign of weakness but signs of living life, of experience of strength and of survival.