Although exciting, the transition into college can be a very challenging experience. Looking to reduce some of the stress that comes along with college prep? Spend an hour or two with kids. As a dance teacher, I’ve logged thousands of hours in the company of a room full of children. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Be open to anything.
One of the greatest values I’ve learned from little ones is to be open to new experiences. Kids aren’t afraid to try new things, and most dive head first into foreign territory without a second thought. So try out for the sports team, join that new club on campus, and go into it with the same confidence and fearlessness.
2. If you fall down, walk it off.
This one can be taken both figuratively and literally. Maybe you realize halfway through the year that your dream to become a neurosurgeon was only a thing because of your not-so-small obsession with Patrick Dempsey. Don’t panic. How many times did you stumble as a child, only to get back up and yet again do exactly what caused you to topple over in the first place? Kids always get back up after they fall, and even if there are a few tears afterward, they don’t let the fear of messing up keep them from trying again.
3. Be yourself.
No child I have ever met has been exactly the same as another. Not yet exposed to the challenges of succeeding in today’s society, kids don’t see any danger in being themselves.
4. Let It Go.
Yes, that is a Frozen reference. What kid doesn’t like "Frozen?" But seriously, next time you hit a bump in the road, channel your inner ice queen. (Singing while simultaneously building an ice castle may only help in certain situations.)
5. Sing at the top of your lungs – even if you have no idea what the lyrics are.
I always get a laugh listening to kids’ interpretations of song lyrics. They have no idea they’re singing the song completely wrong, and they don’t care. Let go every once in a while, and belt out those lyrics. Who cares if you sound less like Ariana Grande and more like a cat in a dishwasher? You should only be doing it for yourself, anyway.
6. Love without fear.
This is probably one of the hardest lessons to grasp. Getting into adulthood, we often hide our feelings deep inside because of the fear of being rejected or judged. Kids don’t have those concerns. Whether their love is a crush on Joey who sits behind them in
We’ve all heard the saying “kids are like sponges”. Maybe it’s time we, as adults, absorbed some of their life lessons. Although they don’t know it, kids have so many things to teach us. We just have to be quiet long enough to listen.
