Things we can learn from our kids
I hear a lot about parenthood being the best thing that ever happened to people and that it changed them for the better. How becoming a parent was the missing piece they were awaiting to be ‘complete’.
On the flip side, I hear how it’s the hardest job some have ever had and that it’s pushed them to their limits. Of course I’m talking about the sleep deprivation!
I agree with all of the above descriptions. For me, motherhood presented me with opportunities and challenges that I couldn’t possibly imagine and whilst the hard times are truly hard, the good times have far outweighed them.
I was so sure of myself before becoming a mother. I knew what I liked and didn’t. I knew what pushed my buttons and what made me laugh out loud. It had taken me years to work out what kind of a person I was but I was confident and happy with the way I’d turned out.
Whilst I knew that becoming a mum would mean I’d have to learn some new skills such as changing nappies and learning to exist on 1 hours sleep a day I hadn’t really imagined that my kids would teach me a thing or two about being a better adult.
There are times when I watch the delight that my daughter takes in the simplest of things like completing a colouring page or listening to us read her a story. Or even watching a Wiggles movie (for the hundredth time).
In those moments, it’s so clear to see that she’s giving it her whole, undivided attention and she’s completely absorbed in listening, watching and enjoying the whole experience. She’s absolutely captivated by what she is doing and enjoying it thoroughly.
It’s such a simple concept isn’t it, to just enjoy an experience for what it is. To give something your all and not be distracted by anything else.
But we’re busy parents and there’s so much to do, all of the time. While we’re doing one job we’re already thinking about the next ten things that need to be done too. We’re so focussed on what comes next that the moment we’re in is a bit wasted really.
‘Mindfulness’ is the latest bandwagon that people seem to be jumping on but when I look at the way my kids enjoy being in every moment I do start to think those mindful people might have a point.
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Another trait I love in my kids is their ability to laugh at so much, especially those every day moments that often pass us by.
Laughing is so infectious and of course I’m biased about this but I could listen to my kids laugh all day long. The smallest things have them giggling and in turn, I can’t help but laugh along with them, even when I sometimes don’t know what started it!
Laughing is such wonderful therapy, it’s good for the soul to just let go and laugh your socks off.
I wish I could find everyday things hilarious the way my kids do, especially when times get tough. Just having them around helps though and helps me to laugh at life along with them.
Something else that fascinates me about my kids is how open they are to trying new things. Whether it’s a new food or a new activity, they just go for it and give it their all. Even on those days when they’ve decided that they no longer like something (kids!), it isn’t long before they’ve giving it a try again.
Me however, a grown women in her 30s, well I’m lacking in that kind of adventurous quality. I know what I like and I know what I don’t and that’s that.
How very boring is that?
Sure, as kids grow up they’re going to hone in on the things they do and don’t like more and they will refine their tastes. I just really envy their ability to give things a go. I want to be more like that. I need to be more like that. I don’t want to be the parent that says “do as I say, not as I do”.
Except, I’m not trying broccoli. Everyone knows that they’re trees.
You get my point though? I watch my kids greet the world each day with wide eyes and adventurous minds and I want to be a bit more like that.
I want to live and love openly as they do and I want to enjoy each moment as I’m in it. My kids are great teachers and I need to be more open to learning from them.
Are there any lessons you could learn from your kids?
Mim Jenkinson
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