14 Things Adults Can Learn from Children ...

By Denise

We, adults, often think that more years of experience means being wiser and more learned. However, if we take time to observe children and their behavior, we will come to realize that children know a lot that we don’t. It’s as if life comes so naturally to them. Children haven’t been totally tainted by society so they act natural and uninhibited. While we spend a lot of time teaching children, we fail to see that we also have a lot of things to learn from them.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

1

Laugh with Abandon!

Laugh with Abandon! Photo Credit: Expatriate Games

Children don’t stop to think whether something is truly funny or not. They give in to their natural amusement to most things and they laugh. They laugh out loud. They laugh with abandon. It is sad how adults can go through days without belting out a laugh.

2

Smile

Smile Photo Credit: crafty1tutu (Ann)

Once we’ve grown up, our smiles seem to be scarcer. We become so burdened by problems and responsibilities that our faces become contorted into a permanent frown. But with children, they still manage to smile even when the world is frowning.

3

Let out Your Emotions

Let out Your Emotions Photo Credit: mistybliss

We bottle up our emotions because we don’t want others to think badly of us. However, children don’t act that way. They acknowledge and let out their emotions. Children will let you know when they are hurt, confused, angry, sad, or happy. Most of the time, there is no second guessing children.

4

Speak up

Speak up Photo Credit: Kiwifirst (Lee)

Children have no qualms about letting you know what is on their minds. They don’t edit or censor. Adults are afraid of speaking up because we feel like someone might have a better idea, that our opinions don’t matter, or that our feelings are not valid. We should stop acting this way and just speak up when we should.

5

Show Your Love

Show Your Love Photo Credit: www.jonSpotphotography.com

When kids love you, they show it. They make cards and crafts for you. They hug and kiss you. They say “I love you”. There is so much love for everyone in this world. We shouldn’t deny anyone the chance to feel loved and wanted.

Famous Quotes

Happiness depends upon ourselves.

Aristotle
6

Avoid Mean and Hurtful People

Avoid Mean and Hurtful People Photo Credit: jwlphotography

Children, even though they are naturally friendly, know how to recognize mean and hurtful people. If someone makes them feel bad, they avoid the person. Children don’t waste their time pretending.

7

Listen to Your Body

Listen to Your Body Photo Credit: Dalla*

Children eat when they are hungry, drink when thirsty, and sleep when they are tired. Nothing will get in the way having needs satisfied. They don’t abuse their bodies because of the demands of life. We need to be more childlike in treating our bodies.

8

Love Yourself for Who You Are

Love Yourself for Who You Are Photo Credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

Children don’t look in the mirror and criticize their bodies. They don’t worry about their clothes. Children don’t find fault in themselves. Instead, children enjoy and love their bodies. We should stop the self-hate and have more of self-love.

9

Do Things You Enjoy

Do Things You Enjoy Photo Credit: *canadian chick*

Too often, adults don’t do things they enjoy for so many reasons. With children, they just do whatever it is that they enjoy. They draw or paint even if the results are just squiggles. They dance even if they are not really coordinated. They sing even if no one can understand the words.

10

Own Your Accomplishments

Own Your Accomplishments Photo Credit: Fe 108Aums

Have you noticed how children own their accomplishments? No matter how small the thing they achieve is, they are proud and they share it to people they trust. Adults should be the same way. You should always feel successful in all your endeavors. Don’t measure your accomplishments based on what others have done.

11

Dream Big

Dream Big Photo Credit: Amy Dunn

Children dream big and without limits. They believe that they can be anyone they want to be. They act as if the world is on their side and they can have what they want. I know we know better about the reality of life but that should not stop us from dreaming big.

12

Have Bold and Creative Ideas

Have Bold and Creative Ideas Photo Credit: Dalla*

The imaginations of children have not been exposed to the critical world. Children have no problems thinking about fantastical and creative things. Despite knowing about limitations, we shouldn’t let them stop us from brainstorming the craziest and boldest ideas. Who knows, the next great thing might be one of those ideas?

13

Have a Good Time

Have a Good Time Photo Credit: Haggis Chick

Children have no other agenda in their life but to have fun. They go to a party and they don’t worry about the calories in the food. They play with other kids and have fun. They go swimming and don’t worry about their shape. They splash around in the water and have fun. We should also try to have fun everyday whether we are at work or at home.

14

Think Positive

Think Positive Photo Credit: Nganguyen

Because of all our problems, we tend to forget to think positively. We focus on the bad rather than on the good. However, we should turn to children for a reminder that the world is not so bad. To children, there is always something positive to look forward to.

Children still have that part of us that has been restricted by the norms of society. They are humans in our natural and candid selves. We, as adults, need to swallow our pride and admit that there is so much that we need to learn and be reminded of. Let us look to children and allow them to be our mentors in the art of living.

Top Photo Credit: ~PhotograTree~

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Simplicity in thoughts.

This all rings true, but adult as I am I don't know how to be like that …

I honestly can tell you, that I drive people crazy when I do this. I am positive, while others tend not to be. I am free spirited while others prefer to be "stone". I am what i am. I dress the way i feel. If i want to dress up in a freaking TUTU... then I do! (I would actually have to get one... I don't own one, but good will may have one... hmmm). I am who I am... I just wish others could witness the beauty of the world through a child's eyes like I do...

Wow. This is a really good post. Also not caring what other people think.

Wow! This is the first time I visited this site and came across this article. I so loved it, learned so many things specially now that I'm an instant mom. Thanks for the inspiration. I will probably be looking forward to a lot of your articles in the future.

This is just so inspiring and thought provoking. The photos are so wonderful too. Thanks for the reminders! Sue Atkins Author of "Raising Happy Children for Dummies"

Related Topics

how to come out to your parent things adults should know how to do financial advice for kids how to teach a child obedience child friendly website kid cudio funny parenting hacks spanking methods how to be a good sibling advantages of having a child early in life

Popular Now