Have you ever sat down with a child and actually listened to what they had to say?
Many may respond to that question with a "no," and to them, I highly recommend having a conversation with these miniature humans! On the other hand, many will respond with saying "yes...far too many" (you know who you are). We all know that children, no matter their age, are full of crazy ideas and their imaginations are soaring. Sometimes they will have you belly laughing as soon as they start talking, but other times they will dive into deep thoughts that you question where they are able to come up with such intelligent things to say. Although I am young, I have worked with kids and alongside kids since I was their age myself. Whether this was through babysitting, mission trips, nursery duty, or my time so far in the teaching field, I have seen and heard so many incredible things come out of the mouths of children. At certain times they do not even have to say anything and I have already learned something new! We are able to learn somuch from kids if we are actually willing to listen and watch as they are learning about this crazy world themselves. I have listed just a few of the things I have learned from some of the most amazing kids I was blessed to cross paths with!
1. Every morning is a fresh, new start.
Many kids don't think of what happened the previous day and often move on from any issue pretty quickly. It may take awhile for some kids to fully wake up in the morning, but when they do they are full of energy and ready for the exciting things that will happen that day!
2. Creativity rocks.
Even when I was in school, the most outrageous and creative ideas were always the best. We should never lose that sense as we grow up!
3. Laughter isthe best medicine.
Hearing a child laugh is arguably one of the best sounds on this planet. When a child laughs, all problems are somehow diminished and all is right in the world for them. Laughter should be a part of everyone's day! As Bobby McFerrin said, "don't worry, be happy."
4. Be active.
Get out and run! Play outside. Go to the pool. Being active is what childhood is all about and it should be that way as we get older as well!
5. Friendships actually can last without drama...believe it or not.
After watching kids, I've noticed that they may fight but it doesn't last long. Problems and tensions resolve quickly and they are back to being as close as ever. As we get older, friendships tend to feed off of drama and this definitely should not be the case. Having drama-free friendships relieves stress that doesn't have to be there. So, save the drama for your mama girlfriend.
6. New things are cool don't be afraid to try them or learn about them!
Kids are adventurous and excited to learn about new things. This excitement to try new things should carry through our lives as we grow old!
7. Scars are okay.
Scars are also battle wounds. One day during recess, a group of kids were standing around in a circle comparing and bragging about their scars that they had and how they got them. Scars should be looked at as something you were able to overcome. They may be much more than the scar you got from missing a monkey bar and falling on your face, but scars are still something taken away from an obstacle you were able to overcome.
8. Pay attention to the little things. Have a little curiosity and wonder.
Go explore — it's good for the soul. Don't stick to the trail (but don't get too lost, either).
9. Be fearless.
Dive into things head first. Don't be scared. You are able to do it!
10. Get rid of social boundaries and judgment of others.
Kids don't realize that there are certain social boundaries that are followed by some in today's society. They don't look at skin color, religion, gender, or the style of someone's hair — they tend to be friends with everyone. As adults, we should model this type of behavior for children because once they start growing up you are able to see these boundaries and judgments form.
11. It's okay to cry.
Sometimes all you need is a little cry!
12. You don't need a lot to have a lot.
The most important thing I learned from the mission trips that I participated in is that you don't need a lot of money to have a lot. These kids had near nothing financially and they were some of the happiest kids I had ever come into contact with. Every day they showed up with a smile and they were so happy to see new people to play at the park with. Yes, you need money to survive but no, you don't need money to be happy.
