Whether it be your sibling, niece, nephew, or even your own child (like me!), being around a toddler will give you a greater understanding of the world. Their pureness and innocence makes us, as adults, realize a lot of things about the world and ourselves.

1. They'll teach you that you're boring.

If a kid can run in the same circle for an hour and not get bored, or laugh until he cries at a movie, you should be able to do it, too. A kid teaches us that there is fun in everything, we just have to find it.

2. You'll learn to kiss your fears goodbye.

A child will run into the dark without a care in the world. If they have to crawl, dig, jump, or climb - they're still going. There isn't the "what-if" factor with a kid. If they want something, they go get it, regardless of the circumstances. You should be that way, too.

3. They'll teach you that what you're so concerned about isn't all that important.

Kids care about the important things in life, like bedtime stories, hugs, eating together, hide and go seek - but most importantly, togetherness, comfort, and love. Your new job or your paycheck doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but those core values do.

4. You'll learn that it's okay to be messy.

My desk always looks like my son's toy box - a total disaster. There's always juice spilled on the floor. There's typically toys in places that make no sense. Tupperware containers are in his book-bin 75% of the time. All of that is okay. My son taught me that being messy is okay, and even a good thing, because "a clean house is one that isn't lived in."

5. You'll learn to be strong.

Seeing a kid cry is tough, and most of the time, all they need is comfort. When life has you down, and you're struggling yourself, seeing a kid hit a weak spot shouldn't bring you to your knees. You should bring them to you, and remember how tough you are. Kids need that kind of role model.

6. Sleep is for the weak!

Before the age of six, children never sleep, trust me. You'll start to understand that you don't really need 6 hours of sleep, and that you can't always have the strict schedule that you wish to have. Sometimes you'll have a good night's rest, sometimes you'll never even see your bed for a week. You'll learn that a quick nap and a cup of coffee is just fine.

7. You'll learn how valuable you are.

Honestly, my son isn't a typical "mama's boy" like I wanted him to be. He doesn't really care who he's around as long as he's having fun. At the same time, if he gets hurt or he isn't feeling good, he reaches for me. He taught me that I am worth a lot more than I thought, and that I mean the world to him. When he runs to me to pick him up after a long day, I remember why all of the struggles are worth it.

Being a parent is one of my biggest blessings, and all because being around children can and will change your life.