Teaching children vital information about life, their values and overall being a good role model is a responsibility that we have as a parent, teacher or anyone who is involved in a child’s life. This gives the child a good start to life and potential for the future. However, it is never viewed as working both ways. What if there are things children could teach you?
Forgiving one another
Disputes and arguments are bound to happen in the playground with it being a highly competitive place. The best part about this though is that the children tend to forgive and forget, perhaps quicker than an adult would do so. Often, time spent mulling an argument over internally isn’t a positive approach, as we are focusing on the dispute itself rather than weighing out a solution for it. Whether we feel at odds with a colleague or a loved one, having the ability to process this feeling and forgive rather than carry a grudge can prove extremely beneficial — allowing us to get on with the important things in life.
Always be honest and tell the truth
Honesty is another value we can pick up from children. They are not afraid to speak their mind, and they have no real filter — but of course, they’re excused for naivety! Although we don’t want to be rude to one another, having some honesty and saying exactly what you think can be beneficial for all parties. At work it can lead to the best results possible, as criticism leads to improvements and people will consider one another as more trustworthy. Sometimes, we might feel that something on our mind wouldn’t be warmly received if we expressed it out loud but taking the plunge and being honest could actually prove helpful! For example, by doing so at work, you might come up with an idea or approach that none of your colleagues have considered before!
Stop making excuses
We have a common habit of cancelling plans using any excuse we can find – it’s raining and no umbrella? Cancelled! Sore thumb? Cancelled!
However for children, nothing can stop them. If there’s a bit of rain, just grab some kid’s waterproofs. If they’ve got a sore finger? Just get someone to kiss it better. If we did this, we would enjoy our time so much more, as kids never cease to be having fun. Also, be sure to try new things — get out there and explore! No excuses!
Be enthusiastic
Any kind of fun activity or plan arranged for a child will get them excited. If they’re doing an activity, they will try to complete it as best as possible to try and be the ‘winner’. In doing so, they spur each other on to do the same. How useful would this be for us to do too? It will make you strive to be the best you can possibly be, as well as help encourage everyone around you to do the same.
Don’t worry so much
Youngsters are about as carefree as you can get, no deadlines coming up or work to stress over. How do they act because of this? They make the most of every moment, looking to have as much joy as possible in the moment. Our youngsters tend to have a shorter outlook on life, and by not fretting about the future they simply spend their time learning and having fun! We can get too bummed down by deadlines and upcoming things, so we often forget to enjoy ourselves in the present. Take a break from it and have fun — go somewhere, see your friends, or take up a sport, it’s up to you.
Who cares what others think of you
Kids tend to have high levels of self-esteem and care little for the criticism their peers might give them. But in adulthood, we experience a lot of nerves and are quite self-conscious as to what other people’s opinions are about us. If we can adopt the mindset of only caring about what you think of yourself, people will be much more comfortable and outgoing.
If some of these values seem an unachievable go, just stop and ask yourself how children can do it without instruction. It just comes naturally to them. So maybe we should take a leaf out of their book.