You can learn a lot about yourself when you hang out with children.
This past weekend, while camping with friends, I had the pleasure of spending time with John (9) and Rachel (6), my best friend’s little ones.
Here’s what I learned:
- In order to teach patience, one must be patient
- Sharing what we do to feel better when we’re sad, will remind us that we do eventually feel better when we get sad
- Singing “Here Comes The Sun” will make you happy
- Dancing to “Twist and Shout” never gets old
- Nine-year old boys will test everything you say
- Listening is just as important as talking
- Negotiations without respect are really just threats without boundaries
- Sometimes the answers are hidden behind the questions
- You’re never too old to be silly
- Teaching children that no one is perfect, starts with accepting that we are not
- Kids give you a second childhood, while simultaneously making you feel old
- When giving their opinion, children are rarely asked, but always brutally honest
- When rules are broken, children are rarely honest, but always asked
- Six year old girls are adorable – even when missing their teeth
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Here’s the part where you tell me: what have children taught you about yourself – about life?
I totally feel you on this post – we spent the weekend with kids, too, and man does it bring up all kinds of stuff about yourself! I’m still too exhausted to deconstruct it all.
I’m exhausted, too! But in a really good way.
I love their unique perspectives – I have three young adults, but loved doing things they considered fun. One time we went to a museum and were looking at mummies. They were preschool age. They pointed out drawings underneath the lid. I was looking down at the lid, they looked up. Without their perspective I would have missed some great hieroglyphics.
I learned the power of words and realized that I had to spend more time building them up than criticizing – it made days more peaceful. Kids have a wonderful literalness that made me careful what words I choose.
They have a great belief in themselves and what they can accomplish, and a drive to persevere. I love how they fall and get up and try again.
I am blessed with wonderful children who have turned into great young adults. I am proud of what decisions they chose to make and how they strive to excellence. While people give me credit, I know that it is their choices that make the difference and I’m proud of them. Have a blessed day.
This comment warms my heart. The power of words – indeed! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. xo
Ahhh, you are so wise, friend. One would think you have a brood of kids! Actually, I believe you will have a brood of your own – all the girls out there that you will touch and inspire. They will be your babies:)
What have my kids taught me? Wow, so much. Mostly, all the things I dislike about myself! Hear me out…the things that bug the sh*t out of me that they do inevitably shed light on the things I feel insecure about. As I have learned to love their “uniquenesses” I have learned to love and accept myself more.
Ah! I love the idea of my “girls”. Like Oprah, but different.
FABULOUS comment – you hit the nail on the head for all parents, I think!
That the measure of love is when you love without measure
LOVE this. So true. x
Mostly, that I’m not such a huge fan of children.
HA! They are a handful, that’s for sure..