Toddlers and the lessons we can learn from them

Toddlers are magical, mysterious, mischievous, and interesting characters. If emotions were seasons, toddlers would certainly live up to the saying “four seasons in one day“, except there would be many, many seasons that unfold in any day. They have mountains of energy, and they are the most determined beings, which all amounts to a lot of laughter, tears, and adventure.

Working with toddlers, and certainly living with one or more of them is a little crazy (the good type of crazy). They are like mini tornadoes that swoop through a room at high-speed with no predictable course. They often leave in their wake mess, chaos, confusion and people thinking “did that really just happen?” Another effect they leave on those in their presence is laughter, smiles, silliness, pride and a reminder of what life is really about.

We can learn so much from toddlers, those things that as we grow up, we tend to lose as we busy ourselves with responsibilities and get lost in this thing we call life. Here are some lessons I have learnt from the one very special toddler in my life

• Spinning around is funny, and feels really good. You should do it for no other reason than, just because you can
• Sneezing cats are hilarious
• The wind feels really good on your face. You should close your eyes and feel it more often
• Running on the spot feels really good too

• If you are caught doing something you probably shouldn’t be doing. Just stop, and dance
• If you keep up eye contact, you can get away with playing with your food
• Listening to your favourite song on repeat can make you feel really good inside
• You should always read a good book more than once, and if you love a particular page the most, read it over and over
• Wear crazy combinations of clothing if it makes you feel good. It will make people smile
• If you feel sad, just ask someone you love for a hug
• It’s ok to cry when you are frustrated. Don’t hold it in or you will feel bad
• Making strange and repetitive sounds with your voice can be oddly satisfying
• Wear your favourite clothing wherever you want. Who cares what anybody else thinks, as long as you are happy
• People really don’t appreciate when you leave frozen food in surprising places
• Smile at people, it helps you make lot’s of new friends
• Smile at more people, it makes them smile back and that has to be a good thing
• Laugh. It makes you feel so good
• If you disagree strongly with something, don’t be afraid to share your disagreement
• If you want something badly enough, give it all you’ve got
• Slow down, really slow down, and look at things with the fresh eyes of a toddler. The world is a wonderful place
• Do crazy things that feel good and make you laugh a lot
• Close your eyes on a swing every once in a while

• Eat messy foods, they are usually the tastiest
• Try new things, and don’t be afraid of failing
• Hang out with your friends, laugh with them and give them hugs for no reason