Important Life Lessons We Can All Learn from Our Kids and Little Children

People travel to wonder
at the height of the mountains,
at the huge waves of the seas,
at the long course of the rivers,
at the vast compass of the ocean,
at the circular motion of the stars,
and yet they pass by themselves
without wondering.”
– Augustine of Hippo

One of the saddest truths in life is that, as we grow older, the more we tend to forget what it means to truly live. Sometimes, we wish we were kids again. Unlike us adults, little children are innocent. Not having been jaded by the world yet, they tend to be more optimistic and courageous. This is the reason that many of the life lessons we can learn as adults are the ones that we observe from the lives of our little ones. If you need wisdom on how to live a full life, let the children be your teacher.

Playtime is Crucial to Our Wellbeing

One of the most important life lessons little kids can teach you is that playtime is crucial to have a happy life. George Bernard Shaw once said that people grow old because they stop playing, and he was right. When you stop finding time for play, you will age faster due to boredom and depression. There is something about play that can reduce your risk for getting sick, slow down the onset of aging, and prolong your life.

It’s Okay to Sit Back and Do Nothing from Time to Time

We now live in a generation where having more is considered better. It’s better to have a bigger house, a bigger car, and a bigger front lawn. However, the thing about the so-called American Dream is that, it remains a dream for most people. Once you wake up to the reality that nothing in this world can truly satisfy you, you will realize that there is no need for you to work like a dog at the expense of your health and at the expense of your family. When the stress of work is starting to take its toll on you, remember your kids and let them teach you that sometimes, it’s okay to sit back and relax and not worry about what tomorrow will bring. Let your little ones teach you that living in the now is more important and will you more happiness than living in the past and worrying about the future.

There is No Need to Hurry

In such a fast-paced world we are living in right now, we seldom find time to step back even just for a while to ponder about the more important things in life. One of the things we need to learn from our kids, however, is that it’s okay to slow down from time to time. Not only does being in a hurry shortens your life, it also causes you to miss on things that really matter. Just look at the tortoise. They are one of the slowest-moving animals, and yet they live the longest. The cheetahs, on the other hand, are one of the fastest land animals, and yet they have a lifespan of only 10 to 12 years. Look at the little children. They take time in almost everything they do, and yet they are the happiest of beings. Perhaps we should learn from them and start slowing down a bit even just once in a while.

Never Forget to Laugh and Have Fun

Many people equate seriousness with being mature and wise. True wisdom, however, is reflected by little children who know how to laugh and enjoy life. Always looking like you have been baptized in Tom Yum Juice has never been a sign of maturity and wisdom, but only means that you do not know how to enjoy life. Learn from the little children and find time to laugh and have fun.

Always Find Time to Stop and Enjoy the Little Things

One of the most important things my three-year old boy has taught me is that we should allow ourselves to get lost amidst the wonders of daily life. As what Augustine of Hippo once said, man has spent time, money, and energy exploring the universe, but has forgotten that the real wonders of this world are not found in the spectacular, but in the simple details of life.

Try taking a break right now and look at yourself in the mirror. Or, place your open palm right in front of your face. I often find myself doing these things and think to myself, “Wow! I think the last time I spent more than a minute examining my skin and just enjoying the details was fifteen years ago!” I believe you also have these kinds of moments. The good news is that it’s not too late. Tomorrow, as you take a break from work, try taking a walk in the park. As you go about, try not to think of work, but just let yourself be immersed in the wonders of nature. You’ll be amazed at how a simple act as observing the tiny flowers by the sidewalk or looking at the birds as they fly past above is enough to tenderize your heart and help you realize that the best things in life are indeed the ones that cannot be bought by money.