“Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they’re looking for ideas” Paula Poundstone
Children have such wisdom. They see life in an uncomplicated manner, and ask the age old question “Why?” They don’t look for the reasons or excuses why they can’t do something – they are always searching for new and innovative ways to play, to learn and to grow.
When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up there is a multitude of answers from an astronaut, to a fireman, to a doctor…..not once worrying about how they will become one of these things – just the determination and deep down belief that they will.
When did we, as adults lose this faith in our own abilities….or have we just buried it deep within us? As adults we can learn so much from children and probably need to ask ourselves on occasions “Why?” Why am I feeling like this? Why am I in this situation? Why have I allowed myself to let this continue?
Whatever situation you find yourself in – whether you are happy or not – begin to think like a child. Decide what it is you want and continue asking the questions until you are moving towards your outcome. Why am I where I am right now…….and most importantly “How can I change things” and “What am I going to do to get it?”
One of the most important things we can learn from our children is joy of just being. Have you ever watched a young child spend time playing with their hands – looking at their fingers from all angles and laughing to themselves? Have we lost the child-like joy of enjoying what we have right now to play with and to learn from?
We may think of ourselves as the “grown-ups”, the teachers, the inspiration for our children – my challenge today is to become the student…..to learn and to grow as a child does. Keep asking the questions and never be afraid to learn your answers.
Unlike children adults have learned that to fail has consequences and so for some they would rather not attempt something than to try and fail.
Kids don’t see failure as something negative rather they see it as a challenge to succeed. Successful adults have the same outlook in life.
Absolutely Sire – this is just one of the things we can learn from children.
Hi Brenda,
Often we need to bring out the child. You are spot on with adults losing their ability to imagine & ask questions, especially the ones that will promote personal growth. Learn from the children THEN apply what you learn to your own Life.
”Imagination is greater than knowledge” , many have ‘knowledge’ but don’t know how to imagine what they can really do with it. Thank you for this.
be good to yourself
David
Thank you for visiting my site David. Loved your input.
Always good to myself – it allows me to be good to others in turn.
I love children, and especially how they think. I have over 40 nieces and nephews that demonstrate a number of positive qualities adults seem to let dull.
They aren’t afraid of embarrassment or what others think of them. They do what they like and are happy.
Thanks for sharing that.
Yes Bryce – we can learn so much from children
Hi – I really enjoy this article. As a first time father – I have learned to spend time with my son and “just be”
Congratulations Jason. Children can and do teach us so much. Enjoy and treasure your time with your son.
My children taught me the meaning of patience and good humor.
I found that once I had children, I also learned what was important to me and how the simplest things can be the most fun.
Great post
Thank you for visiting Mind Recipes Dorothy.
I agree that those simple things are so much fun. Young children do not need or want brand name toys or clothes – this is something taught from their parents. Playing in the park, games with the family, cooking days – the simple pleasures that children remember and cherish
When I had my own children I missed this as I was so busy with “doing” things. Luckily I now have a second chance with my Grandchildren and I love to play with them. I have spoken to my children about what we both missed out on – they are ok with everything…..so maybe it was just me that missed out. Oh to have that time over again…..got to run….cooking with the children begins soon
We can’t go back in time Arlene…happy you are having fun with your Grandchildren.
I am sure that your own children love and appreciate what you did for them….we can only do the best we can do at the time with the tools we have.
Thank you for your comments
When did we lose faith in our abilities? That is a good question. I don’t have any kids, yet but kids teach me things all the time. They show me that happiness was a gift from the very beginning. The problem is, most of us misplaced this gift.
Children are great teachers. We, as adults can learn so much from them. Being in the moment is one of the most important.
Thank you for visiting and commenting on Mind Recipes Vic
Indeed agreed, Brenda. Children are wonderful reminders of our torpid unlimited potential. You and I were born free. This is why it’s so easy to dream big. As you point out we all remember the thoughts we had as children: “I want to be an astronaut, no … I want to be a rodeo clown, no … I want to be the jet plane pilot.” There was nothing stopping us from dreaming up wonderful adventures. However, soon we found our imagination penned in with NO’s, and our dreams fade; we begin believing that life isn’t as great as we imagined. It is entirely possible to replace the echos of howling NO’s by withdrawing our cooperation with those voices of limit.
Rpb – I like what you said about withdrawing cooperation with voices of limit. This is something we are all capable of doing, but somehow along the way of adulthood, many have forgotten the joys of dreaming big.
Do not allow those “no’s” to become your life……be a child again for a day…..or two and let your imagination sky rocket to all your possibilities.
Thank you for visiting Mind Recipes and especially for your shared insights
My children have taught me what is important in my life – something I could not have learned anywhere else
Our children can teach us so much – we just need to be open to learning from them.
Thank you so much for your comments Rose
Loved this – it hit home – so much to learn from my children. hank you
Wendy
Thank you for visiting Mind Recipes Wendy.
Yes, our children are great teachers
My children have been my inspiration for changing my life – they have taught me the value of laughter and the simple things in life.
Rikki – congratulations with your life changes.
Those simple things are often the most important
love this article – thanks
Thank you Irene
I think we have forgotten the art of playing or just being with our children.
From my observation, as parents we buy “things” and think that is all there is to parenting, and it is so easy to blame the younger generation of lack of respect.
Children do as they see. Boundaries are needed and the thing that they crave more than anything is time. Not only beneficial for the children – but as adults. It is never too late to start
Thank you for your comments Wanda. I agree – time is an important – often forgotten component for us all
I don’t have children but have a number of nephews and nieces – love spending time with them. So much fun
Enjoy your time Richie – I’m sure they have just as much fun with you
Enjoying your information you have here. Always make me stop and think. Looking forward to your next post
Light and love from Winnie
Thank you Winnie. The next step is to take action. Wishing you the best in your journey
My children taught me what is important in my life
Our children have taught us what is important – those special times together – not the things we have but who we are and the times we remember
I have learned the joys of living and to laugh when all seems lost
I have benefited so much from reading your posts. I continue to learn everyday
My children showed me that love is all encompassing – no matter what they do. They showed me that time is the most important thing we have