Kids Know More | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Kids Know More

I am convinced that the four year-olds in my life know more about this enigmatic and complex world than I do.

15
Kids Know More

I have spent a considerably large portion of my life with little kids of all ages. I have to say, age four is a time that I particularly enjoy. It could be the child's astonishing sense of self and independence at this stage. The four-year-old that I nanny recently told me that she can make her own smart decisions because she's four now. Some of the decisions she currently has to make include the following non-exhaustive list:

-what to wear: a dress or pants.

-hair: up or down.

-vegetable to eat for lunch: peppers or carrots.

-which theme of macaroni and cheese to eat: Dory or Star Wars.

-which Biscuit books to take out of the library.

At this moment in her life, these decisions are major, and being able to feel grown is something that she's enjoying.


The following is a dialogue between my four-year-old friend who shall be called M, and myself. It's because of this conversation, in combination with countless others, that I believe that children know more about life than adults. [Pauses in the conversation are represented by ellipses].


M: What are you doing?

Me: I'm reading a textbook for school.

M: But why? (One of her favorite questions--why, why, why?!)

Me: Because I have to study for a hard test. This book will help me study.

M: It's great that you're studying. You're gonna do so great!

Me: How do you know?

M: Because you're studying and you're a smart cookie. Don't worry about your test.

...

M: Ms. Hadassah?

Me: Yes, M?

M: Did you go to school today?

Me: Yes, I go to school everyday.

M: And you come here to play with us and work?

Me: Yup, I sure do!

M: But if you go to school everyday and come here to play with us, when do you get to go to the park with your mama and dada?

Me: I don't usually have a lot of time to do that because I'm busy with you guys or I'm at school working hard.

M: Well that's not very nice. You should get to play more, like at the playground.

...

{M is going to the living room to play Irish dancing music.}

Me: M, did you finish your project?

M: No.

Me: Well where are you going?

M: My project was hard so I'm taking a break.

Me: Okay, what are you doing?

M: I'm gonna turn on some music.

Me: Are we going to dance?

M: Yes! Dancing makes everything better.


Depending on the week, I spend anywhere from 15-25 hours a week with this chick--we see a lot of each other. I know her and she knows me. In learning from her and other kids over the past few years of my life, I know that from the eyes of a four-year-old, life is quite simple: we should know that we're awesome and smart, we should make time for ourselves and our families, and we should always dance things out. We never seem to give children sufficient credit. But trust me, kids often know more.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

2023
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

448567
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21111
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44216
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments