Although kids aren’t usually viewed as a source of wisdom, they embody many positive traits that adults may lose along the way. Children often have a more exploratory mindset than adults and approach life with greater curiosity. Observing them can teach us a lot about the world and change how we see things. From childhood imagination to the value of play, here’s what adults can learn from kids.
1. The Value of Play
For kids, playing isn’t just a fun pastime—it’s a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Games and pretend play contribute to children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Childhood activities like making forts and skipping rocks help kids explore their environment, build confidence and motor skills, learn to solve problems, and more. Hanging out with friends is also crucial, enabling kids to deepen their understanding of language and relationships.
The value of play is what adults can learn from kids. We tend to view play as a recreational or leisure activity. But it’s important for us to carve out time to play for our own well-being. Activities like rollerblading, coloring, and playing board games relieve stress and boost our creativity. Incorporating play into your routine can help you become a better problem-solver and happier version of yourself.
2. Enjoy the Little Things
Kids are excited about everything, from a trip to the grocery store with mom to a cool leaf they found on the sidewalk. They approach daily life with a sense of wonder and curiosity that adults usually lose along the way. What adults can learn from kids is how to value the little things. Kids are eager to soak up all the experiences they can and are enthusiastic about seemingly trivial events like show and tell at school.
Adults usually don’t feel that level of happiness and excitement unless we’re experiencing a big milestone, like taking a trip or getting a promotion. But we can try to increase our capacity for joy by being more mindful and grateful for everyday pleasures, such as our morning cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset.
3. Love of Reading
For most kids, a bedtime story is a favorite nightly ritual that cannot be missed. Reading to your children is a crucial part of childhood development and fosters curiosity. Once kids start reading themselves, they’re truly off to the races.
Unfortunately, for many adults, reading often stops once there aren’t assignments required for school. But reading is necessary for professional and personal development. Nonfiction can help you upskill and deepen your knowledge of your industry, while fiction allows you to get lost in a story and relieve built-up stress.
4. Try New Things
Kids dive headfirst into new adventures, from trying new foods to visiting unfamiliar places. Studies have shown that kids are more exploratory than adults, which helps them learn new things. Adults are often more closed off to new experiences.
We may have a hard time leaving our comfort zone due to fear of failure or discomfort. We get stuck in a rut and stick to our familiar routines instead of taking a chance. But as they say, variety is the spice of life! So the next time you have the opportunity to try a hobby or meet new people, approach the experience with an open, curious mindset just like a child would.
5. Importance of Helping Others
What adults can learn from kids is the importance of helping others. Researchers have discovered that kids can be kinder and more willing to help others than adults. Children as young as 14 months old will go out of their way to assist someone who’s struggling, even if they have to pause a favorite activity to do so.
Kids don’t seem to be as motivated by rewards as adults—they just enjoy being helpful and nice to others. Although adults are often busy with work and family commitments, carrying out a random act of kindness every now and then can improve our emotional and physical health.
6. Celebrate Accomplishments
When kids create a new drawing or finish a worksheet, they’re always eager to display it on the fridge proudly. As adults, we’re often afraid to toot our own horn and celebrate our accomplishments. We’re worried about seeming vain, so we downplay our skills and abilities.
But it’s important to acknowledge your talents and achievements, both big and small. Rewarding or praising yourself for a job well done boosts your self-esteem and motivation, and even helps prevent burnout according to Forbes. So don’t forget to pat yourself on the back the next time you achieve a goal!
7. Believe in Possibilities
When asked what they want to be when they grow up, young children come up with some pretty wild answers. They believe they can be anything, from YouTubers to superheroes. Along the way, adults lose this sense of possibility and learn to be more realistic. However, dreaming about the future and remaining open to new opportunities is good for our well-being. Envisioning a bright future gives us the hope and motivation we need to pursue our goals.
What have you learned from your kids? Share your experience in the comments!
Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance writer who enjoys learning about and discussing the psychology of money. In her free time, she loves to cook and tackle DIY projects.
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