What Can Adults Learn From Children?

“Children can inspire adults to try something new, test boundaries, and have fun in the process.” -Michael J. Fite

Keep this in mind whenever you wonder what children can teach adults about life. If you never take the time to learn from children, you are missing out on a valuable source of inspiration and energy. When you do take the time to learn from them, you will be amazed with what they can do and how they can bring out the best in you.

If you are listening to and learning from children, I commend you because you are getting a lot from watching them grow and develop. If you are not listening and learning from children, I must ask you a few questions:

• What is it that stops you from listening from kids?
  • Is it that they have not lived as long as you have?
  • Is it that you feel superior to kids?
  • Is it that you fear that they may know more or can do more than you?
  • Have you been told by others or have told others that kids are too young to know anything?

I would love to know the answer to the questions because if this is you, you are missing out on a lot! Here is what you can learn simply by giving valuable time to children:

1. Kids may not have lived as long as you have, but in their short time, they are conquering and dealing with a lot more than you had to when you were a kid.
2. Kids can remind you to chill out and enjoy the simple things because there is more to life than to be stressed out over things you cannot control.
3. Kids can bring out the competitive side of you because they want to win in everything that they do, which makes you want to work even harder.
4. Kids can teach you how important it is to value the future because you can impact what they learn, do, and become in life regardless of what role you play in their lives.

Bordeaux, my youngest daughter, has shown me these four things already in her short time of existence. Here is what I am observing and learning from her:

1. I could not imagine living in two different countries and deal with my dad leaving for periods of time due to work obligations, but she does it with ease thanks to her mother.
2. Whenever I feel like I am stressed from a long day, she will come to me to play games and ride bicycles. It is like she knows me very well.
3. She is very competitive in nature and will challenge me in running whenever I take her to and from school. We both want to win, and because we challenge each other, we both win!
4. Most importantly, I value her future because she has already shown me that she has the potential to do great things in life. As her father, I understand that she is always watching and looking up to me to be her role model and teacher on life. She reminds me that if I put my best effort into raising her, she will give her best to herself and everyone else.

Take the time to learn from children. Do not discredit their knowledge or experience because the moment you do, you not only stop yourself from learning, but you can also stunt their ability to positively impact the world. Let’s remember that inspiration and motivation can come from children, so never underestimate the power of a young person.

I have a few questions that I would love for you to give some thought. Feel free to answer and comment below:

• What was one moment where a child taught you a valuable life lesson?
• What did the child teach you that was valuable?
• How did that lesson and moment change your life?
• What would you recommend to an adult when comes to learning from a child?

Your answers and comments can help yourself or someone else answer this very important question…

Are you willing to learn from a child today?

-Michael J. Fite