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?
Christine Macdonald 
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. 🙂
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I’m exhausted, too! But in a really good way. 🙂
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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.
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This comment warms my heart. The power of words – indeed! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. xo
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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.
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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!
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That the measure of love is when you love without measure
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LOVE this. So true. x
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Mostly, that I’m not such a huge fan of children.
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HA! They are a handful, that’s for sure..
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