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5 Things Children Can Teach Us

And we should listen to.

Jul 12, 2019

Rebecca Miller

I work with children every weekday for hours on end. And although they still need to learn much of life, they have certain kinds of knowledge that adults seem to lose as they age, that we should be aware of, and attempt to incorporate back into our way of living.

1. Appreciate the small things

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My favorite thing to see (way too early in the morning I might add) is a child grinning ear to ear because they can't wait to tell me about a flower they saw on the walk to camp. Moments like these, and many more, unfortunately seem to be the first thing that people forget to acknowledge the older and more pessimistic we grow. Kids have such a pure and grand view on life, that allows them to see beyond the boring drag of life, and remember not to take for granted a sunny day or disregard a complement as meaningless words.

2. Be interested in everything

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By the time we have been seemingly forced to attend 12 years of schooling about subjects we couldn't possibly dream about enjoying, it makes it more difficult to willingly seek out new ideas. But the need to learn shouldn't just dissipate as we age because we feel that we already know everything we need to know. Six year old me would be ecstatic to watch animal planet for hours on end because I wanted to find something cool to tell my parents about, and that eager self betterment view of life is something we should all hold onto.

3. Talk to others

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I walked into work and loudly exclaimed "who wants to be my friend this week??". Immediately heads and hands shot up, as 10 year olds decided that we would be best friends in a matter of seconds. I understand that it can prove to be a struggle to hold many close relationships as you age, but that doesn't mean we should become more closed off and less open to the opportunity of new friendship as we age. I can just imagine the looks of disbelief and disgust (haha) I would get if I walked into one of my lectures and posed the same question.

4. Live in the moment

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No this does not mean buy a motorcycle DAD. On the contrary, this is more of a simplistic way of exploring the world and expanding your horizons. Similar to yes theory, kids tend to say yes more than no (unless asked about chores), and this mindset allows them to soak up new experiences. If we were more like kids in this manner, we would't be afraid to ask out Jim from sales, or "too tired" to go on a road trip and hang out with friends. Shake your arms, do the wiggle, and try not to take life too seriously, live your life for you.

5. Give out endless amounts of love

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Hugs on hugs on hugs. Children grabbing me because we're pretty much besties at this point and them telling me how much they love me, is pretty much life on a daily at work. It surprised me at first, because of the culture of people my age, it seems crazy and mild inappropriate for these children to be so attached to me after a few days. But as I've come to realize, their view on life is just so pure and sweet that if someone is nice to you and shows they care about you on any level, they associate this positivity with love. Which perverse how adults use the term, is honestly a more accurate depiction on the concept of love and how is how it should be. I feel like to identify the actions of people as associations with love is a great idea that allows us to be more open and see the beauty in people. I.e. someone in front of you opening the door for you is clearly not a declaration of love, but it is a small gift they gave to you because they cared whether or not you would have to open the door yourself, and did not want to be forced to undergo this hardship (no matter how small).

So go on and try to live your life incorporating these bits and pieces of insight I've found from children.

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

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5 Things Children Can Teach Us

And we should listen to.

1. Appreciate the small things

2. Be interested in everything

3. Talk to others

4. Live in the moment

5. Give out endless amounts of love

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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