It’s often just assumed that kids learn everything from their parents; but the opposite rings true too. As much as we teach and guide them, whether it be actively showing them or them observing and mimicking us, they do the very same for us, it’s quite magical and unexpected.
The pure innocence and pride a toddler brings to your life is life changing. Even though we get irritated, loose our temper and are sleep deprived to the nth degree, the little nuggets of wisdom and utter joy far outweigh the former. Below are 5 lessons we can learn, if we stop and open our eyes:
- Appreciate the small things
It’s astonishing how the simple things in life we either miss and or take for granted. We are so caught up in the busyness of the moment, we stop to look around and take in what’s around us. For the little ones, the mundane is magical. Watch them listening to the train in the distance asking where it’s going. Admire how they say hello to the moon because the sun has gone to sleep. Watch them build towers from cereal boxes and really use their imaginations. Check them smelling the blossoms on the trees / the list is endless. Life from their perspective is new, exciting and fresh. There’s so much to see and do, and each day is a real adventure. - Unconditional love
The term unconditional is thrown around so much, but the love from a toddler is exactly that. They look up to you and admire you because you are their everything, their rock, their superhero. They will love you if you’re upset, if you haven’t had a chance to wash your hair or if you wearing mismatched clothes. Don’t worry if you don’t have energy to make dinner and nicely present baked beans on toast in the shape of a face. They don’t judge or have any prejudice if you’re exhausted, happy, cross or emotional. This is loyalty and commitment in its truest form. - Ignite your imagination
The power of this mini human is surreal. The transport you into a new realm, where you can be an awesome superhero, a beautiful princess, a caring doctor or even a funny animal (insert elephant sound). There’s no boundaries and no limits. Your imagination can run wild, without having to worry about the menial and mundane tasks which are always so present. They bring out the child in you, the free and courageous side which is deeply buried in all of us. - No beating around the bush
Toddlers keep it real. They say it as it is, without a filter or playing it down. It is where real honesty and truth stare you in the face. Whether you got a smelly breath or hairy legs, it’s out there in the atmosphere. Often adults are afraid to express exactly how they feel in order to protect emotions and butter up a situation. Both are needed, but the uniqueness of being comfortable and open can help you express so much more and with deeper meaning, if you allow yourself. - Be free and light
There’s nothing better than acting like a child (with your kids). But this essence can be catapulted into every arena of your life. There’s no need to always be so serious and heavy. Obviously as an adult there’s responsibility and baggage. But take some time to be carefree and just enjoy the moment. Try being present in the here and now. Laugh at the small things, whether it’s a little burp or a poo. Drop your guard – it can be refreshing and uplifting.
Take the time and tune into the beauty of what your toddler can offer you.