ONE of the best things about having young kids is that we’re given a chance to view things from their unjaded perspective. I especially enjoy traveling with my children; even to places that I've been to before, because they give me a new lens to see the world through their eyes. As adults, we can actually learn a lot from our kids. They may say the darndest things, but they also dish-out big life lessons!
They celebrate their lives
Kids always look forward to their birthdays. "How many more sleeps, Mom?" They're excited to blow candles and receive gifts. In contrast, most adults don't make a fuss at their own birthdays. They don’t even want to count candles. But, really, shouldn't we? It is a celebration of us. We don't necessarily need a party. Calling and expressing thanks to the people who nurtured us is enough. After all, we won't be here without them. Let us celebrate our lives because we earned our years.
Seeing good in everyone
Child-like innocence allows them to see the good side of everyone. One of the earliest lessons I teach my kids is stranger danger because kids don't zero in on the bad right away. They’re accepting! As adults, we subconsciously track faults and flaws. We need to reboot! This doesn't mean disregard danger or suspicion, but for a change, be an awesome-finder and not a fault-finder. Be positive!
Not taking NO for an answer
Not allowed to eat a lollipop— "But why, Mom, why?" whined my youngest as if it's the end of the world. They’re resilient little buggers, who dislike the word no and don't give up quickly. When my daughter was still learning the monkey bars, I was afraid she’d be hurt. "I can do it by myself. Watch!" She fell a few times, but she eventually did it! Adults need to retain this mindset in the face of adversity.
Enjoying simple things
Young ones are easy to please. Give them candy and it's as if you've given them the world. I remember when we just moved here from the United States, my then five-year-old daughter was looking for snow. She was playing outside, then came back clutching decimated styrofoam. “Snow, Mom! I found it! And it doesn't melt!" The young-once-upon-a-time need to appreciate simple joys!
Expressing gratitude
Children are quick to show appreciation. When I bake cookies, I often get: "This is super yummy. Thanks, Mom. You're the best mom in the world." Of course my heart pitter-patters. As adults, we often take things for granted, which is rather sad. An attitude of gratitude makes for a happy life.
Everyone is a potential friend
Young kids bond quickly. I often see this at the playground, so I enjoy bringing my children there. They’re pretty scarce here in our town; so any new place we go, a playground is always on my list to visit. I like observing my children interact with new kids. No matter what color or size, small kids just bond easily through play and with: "Let's be friends!" Wouldn't it be nice if it was the same for adults? No hidden agendas, baggage, or issues; just honest genuine desire to forge friendship.
Saying sorry is easy
And moving on is much easier! Kids are quick to have squabbles, but they make up fast. It’s funny because in my children’s school, two students in class had a tiff, and the parents got involved. Eventually, the kids made up, but the parents are still enemies. How sad is that!? As an adult, throw away that pride and just say sorry! We don’t have to be BFFs, but we can be mature and still play nice.
Believe in magic
Santa, Tooth-fairy, or Easter bunny! Even my teenager is still obsessed with unicorns (and has a unicorn costume). Kids see magic all around. When we moved, my other son was so worried if Santa would find our house. It was his big sister who replied, "Duh! Of course he'll know. He is Santa!" Such confidence! I admire that young kids believe in the beauty and magic of things without seeing them. As adults, we have to choose to see magic. There's really nothing wrong in retaining a sense of wide-eyed wonder. Believe in people, in the magic of goodness, and in miracles!
Unapologetically their own person
They don’t worry about what others think. They do what makes them happy, even if it means having ice cream goo all over their faces. When my daughter was younger, she used to go “mall-ing” in her Snow White costume. Adults, on the other hand, are always conscious of what other people will say. How tiresome!
Possibilities are endless
Kids dream big and use their imaginations. I recall when we came back from Hong Kong (HK) Disney, the youngest wanted to return right away. I told him it was impossible with school. Later that day, I found him on top of the HK City Map with a crazy grin on his face, squealing: “See, I’m back, Mom!” How nice to make the impossible…possible. Dream!
Laugh at their own silliness
Young kids don't take themselves seriously. Just the other day, my youngest (who’s learning how to put on clothes), put his brief on top of his pants. He laughed so hard and told us, “It’s ok! I’m just like Superman!”
Kids may unintentionally do and say the craziest things, but they easily laugh at their mistakes and learn fast. Out of the blue the youngest uttered: "I don't want to go to school na. Ever. I want to go to SM na lang." His sister said, "You're so silly!" And he declared— "Yeah. I am crazy!" We all laughed.
The sound of my children’s laughter always makes me feel as if everything is perfectly fine in this world. I fervently hope my kids don’t lose their positive sparkle and zest for life. Perhaps, all the bad stuff happening on this Earth would be less if we adults remember to see the world with the eyes of children. Now, more than ever, I am convinced that younger kids have the better world view!
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