I'd like to take us into the weekend by celebrating one of my favorite things in all the world: the little ones that enrich our lives and surprise us almost daily. Whether our own children or those we encounter in other ways through friends, teaching, groups, sports or elsewhere, surely almost everyone has had at least one opportunity to experience what a delightful little treasure a child can be, how contagious their laughter and innocence can be!
Children have a way of turning the world upside down, but in the best possible way. They see life through a lens untainted by the cynicism and limitations that often cloud adult perspectives. What many don’t realize is that children aren’t just students in need of guidance—they are also remarkable teachers with lessons that adults can carry into every aspect of life.
Children Teach Us to Be Present
One of the most profound lessons children teach us is the art of being present. Whether it’s the joy they find in a simple puddle or the excitement they express over a butterfly, children remind us that life is full of small, beautiful moments that are often overlooked. When was the last time you truly stopped to appreciate the colors of a sunset or the smell of freshly cut grass? Children do this naturally, and their ability to live in the moment can teach us the value of slowing down and appreciating the here and now.
Example: Consider the story of a busy executive who, after a long day, found his young daughter engrossed in a game of building blocks. Instead of rushing through the bedtime routine, he decided to join her. As they played, he noticed how focused and content she was, fully immersed in the process without concern for the outcome. This simple act of playing together became a daily ritual, teaching him the importance of being present—not just with his daughter, but in his work and personal life as well.
Respecting Children as Individuals
Respect is often seen as something that flows from adults to children, but this perspective is limited. Treating children with the same respect you would afford an adult is crucial in helping them develop into confident, self-assured individuals. Respecting their opinions, listening to their thoughts and validating their feelings empower children to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Example: A teacher once shared how she transformed her classroom by changing how she interacted with her students. Instead of dismissing their ideas or rushing through their questions, she made it a point to listen actively, asking follow-up questions and encouraging them to explore their thoughts. The result? Her students became more engaged, took ownership of their learning and demonstrated remarkable growth in both their academic performance and interpersonal skills.
The Power of Curiosity
Children are naturally curious. They ask questions—lots of them—and often about things that adults take for granted. This curiosity is a powerful tool for learning and growth, one that adults would do well to rekindle within themselves. In the professional world, curiosity can lead to innovation and new ways of thinking. Encouraging this trait in children ensures they carry it with them into adulthood, where it can serve them in myriad ways.
Example: A parent recounts how their child’s endless questions about the night sky led the entire family on a journey of discovery. What started as a simple inquiry about stars turned into a shared project of learning about constellations, planets and the universe. The child’s curiosity sparked a passion for learning in the whole family, leading to weekend trips to the planetarium and even influencing the parent’s approach to problem-solving at work—where asking the right questions often leads to breakthroughs.
Showing Unconditional Love and Support
Children need to know that they are loved and supported, no matter what. This doesn’t mean shielding them from challenges, but rather standing by them as they navigate life’s ups and downs. Unconditional love provides a foundation of security, allowing children to take risks, make mistakes and ultimately grow into the best versions of themselves.
Example: A father, noticing his son struggling with schoolwork, decided to change his approach. Instead of pressuring him for better grades, he started focusing on the effort and perseverance his son was showing. He celebrated the small victories and encouraged his son even when the results weren’t perfect. This shift in focus helped his son develop resilience, and over time, his academic performance improved—along with his self-esteem.
Final Thoughts
Children may be small, but their capacity to teach, inspire and lead is enormous. By treating them with respect, nurturing their curiosity and showing them unconditional love, we not only help them become the best versions of themselves—we also open ourselves up to learning some of life’s most important lessons from the most unexpected teachers. So, the next time you’re with a child, take a moment to listen, observe and let them lead. You might just find that they’re guiding you toward a better, more fulfilling life.
Enjoy your weekend!
Jerry
Additional Suggested Reading On This Topic:
"Learning From Children: New Ways of Approaching the Challenges in Your Life" by Bettina Tornatora explores the profound lessons that adults can gain from observing and interacting with children. Tornatora emphasizes how the natural curiosity, resilience and creativity inherent in children can inspire fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to life's challenges. By adopting a childlike mindset, the book encourages readers to approach problems with openness, flexibility and a renewed sense of wonder, ultimately leading to more fulfilling and effective ways of living.
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