Hey there! Do you ever wonder what kids really love? As adults, we’re often caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we tend to forget the things that really matter.
Children have a unique way of looking at the world, one that is full of wonder, creativity, and imagination. So let’s take a step back and see what we can learn from them.
Things Kids Love
Undivided Attention
Have you ever tried to talk to a child while scrolling through your phone at the same time? They know when we’re not giving them our full attention, and it makes them feel less important.
Kids love it when we give them our undivided attention, whether that means putting our phones away during dinner or having eye-to-eye conversations with them. It shows that we value and appreciate them.
Living in Their World
Kids have an incredible imagination, and it’s something we should all envy. They can turn anything into a make-believe adventure, and it’s so fun to join in on the fun.
Take a break from adulthood and act child-like with them. Play with Legos, build a fort, or have a tea party.
You’ll never believe how much joy it brings them, and it’s a great way to bond with your child.
Creative Pursuits
Kids love to create, whether it’s through drawing, painting, writing, or building. They’re not necessarily focused on the end result, but rather the process of creating something.
It’s important to encourage this creativity and to let them express themselves without judgment. Who knows, you might even discover a budding artist in your child.
Dance Parties
Kids love to express themselves, and what better way to do that than through dance? Crank up some kid-friendly tunes and let them show off their best moves.
Not only is it a great way to get them to exercise, but it’s also an opportunity to bond and have fun together.
Cuddles
Physical touch is an important aspect of love, and it’s something that kids crave. They might be cranky or unreasonably upset, but a few cuddles can instantly make them feel better.
Don’t underestimate the power of a warm hug and some affectionate snuggles.
Best Friends
Parents are their children’s first and most important friends. We need to foster this friendship by accepting them for who they are, regardless of their age.
It’s also important to encourage friendships outside the family. Make an effort to connect with other families and create opportunities for your child to make new friends.
Structure
Kids thrive on routine and structure. It provides them with stability, security, and a sense of control.
Setting rules and boundaries is important, and it’s equally important to stick to them. Regularly checking in on the structure helps them feel secure and safe.
Notice Things About Them
Kids have a unique way of looking at the world, and it’s often hilarious. When we reinforce these traits and qualities, it makes them feel good and builds their confidence.
Take the time to notice the little things and celebrate them. It’s amazing how much it can boost their self-esteem.
Choice
Kids like to feel like they have a say in things, even if it’s as simple as choosing what to wear or what to eat. Giving them choices makes them feel like their opinions matter and that they have a sense of control over their lives.
Predictable Schedule
Having a predictable schedule provides kids with comfort, security, and safety. It helps them build trust and dependability, which is crucial for their emotional development.
Establishing a routine is also a great way to maintain consistency in a child’s life.
Traditions
Family traditions are a wonderful way to create memories and reinforce family values. Celebrating birthdays, holidays, festivals, and other meaningful events together creates a sense of togetherness and belonging.
Photos and Stories
Kids love nothing more than hearing stories about their childhood. Showing them pictures and telling them about their little quirks and funny moments is a great way to appreciate them and the memories you’ve shared together.
Cooking
Cooking is a great way to indulge your child’s creativity. Let them put on an apron and mix ingredients.
Cooking together not only teaches them important skills, but it’s also a great bonding experience.
Playing Outside
Playing outside is an essential part of childhood. Kids need to get some fresh air, throw a ball, hop on their bikes, or go for a hike.
Outdoor activities provide an opportunity for kids to explore nature and stay active.
Not Be in a Rush
Sometimes we get so focused on our to-do lists that we forget to enjoy the little moments. Kids have an innate ability to slow down and appreciate the world around them.
Take a cue from them and stop to stomp in puddles, smell flowers, and enjoy life at a slower pace.
Grandma and Grandpa Time
Grandma and grandpa provide a special kinship that kids treasure. Quality time spent with them is priceless and helps build a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Showing Interest
Showing an interest in your child’s favorite movie, game, or hobby goes a long way in building a strong, close bond. It shows them that you care about what they care about, and it helps open up the lines of communication.
Artwork
Kids love to create artwork, and it’s important to encourage them. Display their creations proudly and appreciate the effort they put into making them.
It’s a great way to encourage their creativity and build their self-esteem.
Regular One-on-One Time
If you have several kids, finding time to connect with each of them can be a challenge. Regular one-on-one time with each child helps them feel special and important.
It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, just a few minutes of quality time spent together can make all the difference.
Hearing “I Love You”
Hearing “I love you” never gets old, no matter how old you are.
It shows love and affection and makes the recipient feel valued and appreciated.
Listening
Listening is one of the most important skills we can teach our children. It helps them communicate their thoughts and feelings, and it helps us understand them better.
Take the time to really hear what they’re saying and to respond in a way that validates their thoughts and feelings.
A Healthy Environment
A clean, safe, and healthy environment is essential for a child’s physical and emotional well-being. Providing them with good food, clean water, and necessary necessities shows them that we care about their health and well-being.
Silliness
Kids love it when parents are silly. It’s a great way to lighten the mood and enjoy life.
So go ahead and be a little goofy, it’ll make them love you even more.
Guidance
Kids don’t need us to tell them what to do, they need us to guide them. Offering options and talking about life with them helps them make informed decisions and gives them the tools they need to navigate through life.
Support
Supporting your child’s favorite sport or passion is a great way to show them that you care about what matters to them. There’s nothing better than seeing them pursue their dreams and passions.
Learning from Kids
Slowing Down
Kids have an innate ability to slow down and appreciate the little things in life. It’s an important lesson for us adults to learn.
Slowing down helps us pay attention to what’s really important in life and find joy in the simple things.
Enjoying the Process
Kids are process-oriented, not result-oriented. They enjoy the process of creating something more than the end result.
It’s a great reminder that we should savor the happiness that comes from the journey, not just the destination.
Living in the Moment
Kids are present-focused and tend to embrace life as it comes. They don’t worry about what might happen in the future or dwell on the past.
It’s important to take a cue from them and practice mindfulness to truly enjoy the present moment.
Finding Happiness in Simple Things
Kids find joy in the simple pleasures of life, like blowing bubbles, playing with rocks, or jumping in puddles. It’s a great reminder to appreciate the little things in life that often go unnoticed.
Seeing the World with Wonder
Kids have a sense of awe and wonder when it comes to the world. They’re curious and inquisitive, always asking questions and eager to learn.
It’s important to keep that sense of curiosity and exploration alive, even as adults.
Being True to Oneself
Kids are authentic and true to themselves, which is something we can all learn from. Embracing our authentic selves and being self-aware is key to finding true happiness in life.
Loving Unconditionally
Kids love without judgment and conditions. They accept others for who they are, flaws and all.
It’s a great reminder to love without conditions and to accept people for who they are, not who we want them to be.
Creativity
Kids are imaginative and creative, and it’s important to encourage and nurture that creativity. It helps them express themselves and find joy in the process.
Resilience
Kids bounce back quickly from adversity and have a natural optimism that we can learn from. Cultivating resilience helps us persevere through difficult times and come out stronger on the other side.
Forgiveness
Kids have a natural ability to forgive and let go of grudges. Learning to forgive and move on with compassion is crucial for our emotional well-being.
Trust
Kids have a natural trust in themselves and in others. Building trust helps us feel more connected and confident in our abilities.
Imagination
Kids have unlimited possibilities when it comes to imagination. Dreaming big and thinking out-of-the-box is key to finding new and innovative solutions in life.
Empathy
Kids have a natural sense of empathy and understanding for others. It’s important to practice this compassion and put ourselves in other people’s shoes.
Appreciating Diversity
Kids are inclusive and open-minded, and it’s important to embrace differences and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Playfulness
Kids have a playful attitude towards life and a fun-loving spirit. Enjoying life and not taking ourselves too seriously is crucial for our emotional well-being.
Learning from Mistakes
Kids have a growth mindset and see mistakes as opportunities for learning. Adopting this mindset helps us bounce back from failure and see it as a learning experience.
Taking Risks
Kids have the courage to take risks and step out of their comfort zones. Cultivating bravery and embracing growth helps us achieve our goals and dreams.
Sense of Wonder
Kids have an awe-inspiring sense of wonder that we can all appreciate. Embracing this sense of curiosity and exploration helps us find joy in the world around us.
Honesty
Kids are truthful and authentic, and it’s important to cultivate this honesty and integrity in all aspects of our lives.
Love for Nature
Kids have a natural connection with nature and a deep appreciation for the flora and fauna around them. Taking care of our environment and appreciating the natural world helps us lead a more fulfilling life.
Persistence
Kids have a determination and perseverance that we can emulate. Practicing persistence helps us achieve our goals and overcome obstacles in life.
In conclusion, children have a unique perspective on life that we can all learn from. It’s important to take a step back and appreciate the little things in life, connect with our authentic selves, and cultivate empathy, creativity, and resilience.
Let’s embrace the joy and wonder that comes with being a child at heart. In conclusion, the things that kids love and teach us are truly invaluable.
Being present in the moment, embracing creativity, and finding joy in the simple things are all essential aspects of a happy and fulfilling life. By slowing down and seeing the world through a child’s eyes, we can learn to appreciate the little things in life and connect with our authentic selves.
Let’s take these lessons forward and continue to learn from the children in our lives, as they truly are our greatest teachers.
