It’s a crazy world out there today. Sometimes I feel like I’m grasping at straws trying to keep things in perspective, be a good role model for our family, and make decisions that will keep us as physically safe and mentally healthy as possible. As I look around for answers, I realize I have some pretty good teachers right in front of me…my kids! Below are some of the things I’ve learned from my crew that I think could be good reminders for all of us:
Kids live in the moment.
They immerse themselves in it. They don’t dwell on the past or worry too much about the future. They live RIGHT NOW. Ever ask a kid what they did today? I bet they don’t remember (without some serious prompting). Ever ask a kid what they want to do tomorrow? They either shrug their shoulders or rattle off some crazy fun ideas for what they could do. Yes, sometimes kids get anxious or scared. But they are often able to leave their minds pretty quickly and live in a world of doing exactly what is right in front of them.
Kids don’t let sh*t ruin their fun.
Literally, my 2-year-old would rather sit in a dirty diaper all day than miss out on a minute of building a Lego tower, playing in his sandbox, or running around with his siblings. Is he uncomfortable? Probably. Does he let it ruin a good time? You bet he doesn’t.
Kids ask for help when they need it.
They ask for it all. the. time. In fact, they ask for help even when they don’t need it. When’s the last time you asked for some help, even for a little thing like a glass of water when you’re already sitting down? How about we ask for more help? There are so many people willing to lend a hand, including our kids, if we ask them!
Hanger is real.
When my kids start fighting or crying over nothing, I know it’s time for a break and a snack. It fixes things almost every time. And yet, so often, I forget to drink water or feed myself something good. When you’re feeling cranky, anxious, or stressed, don’t forget to stop and feed yourself. You’re no good to anyone on an empty tank!
Kids inherently know that simple things are the best things.
I’m always amazed at how it’s the big Amazon boxes – not the things that get delivered inside them – that are the most fun. My kids will swing on the swing set for hours. Or jump in a pool over and over again. Or throw rock after rock into a pond. Kids can derive hours of joy from the simplest activities.
When kids are outside, they notice nature.
They take it all in. They get on their knees and dig for worms or watch ants carry food on their backs. They pick flowers, catch lightning bugs, and chase butterflies. They collect sticks and leaves and build fairy houses and forts. They dig holes in the sand, collect seashells, and turn over rocks looking for crabs. Let’s make a pact to get outside more and really take it in with all our senses… just like our kids do!
Kids enjoy downtime.
When they’re little, they nap. When they get older, they can happily sit with a book, or focus on Legos, or color and they are happy. They don’t feel the pressure to make every part of their day productive. We could all remember how much better we feel when we take these kinds of breaks. Resist the urge to “get things done” when you have a minute to yourself. Instead, take a break and do something you enjoy!
Even when days are good, it’s easy to let our minds wander to the future, or to our to-do lists, or to the things we “should” be doing. When you start to feel unsettled or unhappy, stop and notice your kids for a little bit. How can we learn to be happier from them?
What are some of the lessons your kids have taught you?
