Childhood is a funny thing. Despite acting as the most important precursor to our current “adult” lives, it tends to be looked upon with less distinction than those memories we’ve made later down the line. Sure, there’s the inevitable walking and talking, the preschool graduations, and the famous “firsts” that fall in between—all things we’ve come to recognize (and brush off) as textbook and nondescript. But there’s a reason our first decade is regarded as so formative. Amidst the chaos of growing up lies something we can’t gather from home movies and Play-Doh masterpieces: perspective. Poignant reminders of those values we once held, but have long buried under term papers and job applications. Pockets of life.

Not all is lost with age, however. While simplistic in nature and easily preoccupied, our three- and four-foot counterparts actually offer us just enough life lessons to rival the ones we teach them. It’s a realization as liberating as it is adorable.

1. Be honest.

Kids say the darndest things, but many times it’s because it’s the truth. Always the purest forms of themselves, children are sharp, unapologetic, and surprisingly perceptive. They’re the first to call us out on our discrepancies, and have little patience for, well, anything really. They speak their minds and refuse to get caught up in the raging battle of mixed emotions. As far as we can see, there’s really no fault in that—especially when the results are more open relationships and inner acceptance. Honesty really is the best policy, after all.

2. Laugh.

Laugh a whole lot. We’re constantly being reminded that life’s too short not to indulge in hysterics, but it’s a concept we just can’t seem to grasp. Children, on the other hand, have it mastered. They possess the incredible ability to turn any moment into a joyous occasion. It’s the reason they love telling jokes, or why they find pleasure in something as simple as a puddle of water. They know our journey is less about chasing happiness than it is about relishing in that which is already in front of us. And that’s important. Besides, with looming deadlines and long hours, it’s hard to imagine the workweek without an energizer already handy.

3. Know it’s okay to cry.

Really, it is. Often times, age hardens us, tricks us into believing vulnerability is for the meek. As such, we find pride in being unwavering figures during the toughest of circumstances. We close off parts of ourselves in fear of letting too much go, and refuse to recognize tears as a valid outlet for expression. But at the end of the day, this isn’t what makes us strong. The strongest people are those who don’t seek out permission in order to cry. Big or small, they’ll do it anyway.

4. Don’t take shit from anyone.

Past the missing teeth and temporary tattoos, kids are no-nonsense people. The fearless little beings they are, they know that even the tiniest of voices can be heard if the will to speak is strong enough. Frankly, it’s time we follow suit as our own supporters and advocates, standing up for ourselves when no one else will. In the interest of widespread acceptance, it’s possible we’ve even let others drive our decisions over the years. Good thing there’s always power behind the word “no.”

5. Believe.

There are few things more heartwarming than the ferocity with which children place trust in certain things. For them, it’s the supposed presence of magic that sparks possibility and fuels the imagination. It’s the out-of-the-box thinking we can no longer grasp because our overly rational minds have dismissed it. When, and more importantly why, did this have to stop? If a class of kindergarteners can drive their own realities, a team of office executives shouldn’t fall too far behind either. These little ones have taught us that there’s more to life than what we let ourselves see and believe, and it takes a certain return to innocence to reopen that limitless world.

6. Go with the flow.

We buzz happily at the thought of a busy week, but often forget how refreshing it is to slow down. Rather than let schedules and assignments get the better of us, let’s reflect on the never-ending days of ages past—when the time between Friday and Sunday felt like years, and summer vacations lasted an eternity. With what seems like an endless strip of time before them, kids do treat every moment like a new adventure. They see too much possibility in what lies ahead to get worked up over things that may or may not happen. It’s admittedly hard to relinquish control when the burden of responsibility leaves us feeling rigid, but not doing so is more taxing than we’d like to admit.

7. Ask for help.

It’s in our nature to want to lend a hand, but when the roles are reversed, it’s easy to appear too independent for own good. Are we unable to admit it? Perhaps, but no one ever became less of a person for doing so. We have to be comfortable enough with ourselves and our abilities to call on others for assistance. Not everything is in our control, and not everything we encounter is a one-person job. Life isn’t nearly as worth it when you’re going at it alone.

Talk about wisdom beyond their years. Maybe kids do know a thing or two.