Anyone who spends an extended period of time with children (and is crazy enough, like myself, to enjoy doing so) can tell you that children are way smarter than we give them credit for. Every day, the seven-year-old's that I work with show me that they are more profound and knowledgeable about life than I will ever be.
1. Forgive and forget.
Yes, it really is that easy. So what if that person ruined your life five minutes ago? Are you really going to continue to let them ruin your life by holding a grudge and remaining angry, or are you going to move forward with your life and let them move forward with theirs?
2. Confidence is key.
"You're telling me that when you grow up you can't just walk up to the boy you like and ask them to be your boyfriend? Well why not? That seems silly. If you like them you should talk to them." I swear, these kids are fearless. Like yeah, I might get rejected, but who cares? I've got all the time in the world to move on.
3. Know when to lead and when to follow.
I'm the grown up (supposedly), but some of my kids (at just seven years old) know when I have absolutely HAD IT, need a break, and they step up and get the other kids to give me one. They also know when it's time to turn the reigns back over to me, and let me do my job. I can always count on a few kids to get the whole group behind an activity, or to be a follower when someone REALLY wants to be a leader (even if they wanted to be the leader too), and that kind of maturity at seven years old is amazing.
4. Be curious.
Why is it that once we grow up we stop asking questions? Sometimes I even find myself getting annoyed when kids ask me too many. But I'm glad their curious. I had two doctors appointments within two days and they all got so concerned when I went to leave for the second one. "But you had a doctors appointment yesterday!" They care, and they just want to know things about you and they curiosity is something we should never lose. Always make an effort to want to know things about other people.
5. Spread compassion whenever you get the chance.
I pretended to fall asleep on the floor and a five year old girl covered me with her blanket and gave me a stuffed animal to cuddle with. So why is it that when people pass out at parties surrounded by adults they aren't trusted to be safe? It's ridiculous honestly. If you see someone in need, just show them a little kindness and help them like you would hope someone would help you if the situations were reversed.
Kids are some of the best untapped resources we have. Their minds are so free and unobstructed by years being taught how to think and how to act. Their pure way of thinking can serve as a reminder to all of us to not make everything so complicated, because life is more fun when things are simple.
