Be A Kid Again

A friend asked my 4-year old son Paolo, “Do you know what your mommy’s job is?” Confidently, he replied, “She’s a coach!” To keep things simple, my friend then explained that I help others be happier. Puzzled, he asked “Why? Isn’t everyone happy?”

Sigh. Don’t you just love the perspective of a 4 year old. It got me thinking about being kids again and living simpler, more contented lives. If you’ve ever watched young kids in the playground, they can fight over a toy and five minutes later be going down the slide together, laughing hysterically. Everything left behind and forgotten.

Although all emotions should be respected, as adults, we tend to hang onto anger, disappointment or frustration much longer than we should. What if we could let go of those draining emotions more quickly? And then choose to be more playful, open-minded and unrestrained by the inner voice of reason, cynicism or fear of failure.

That’s what children do. And we can certainly learn a few lessons from them. For example, children:

Take Things at Face Value

They don’t try to read into things. People offering them candy, are just offering them candy. Not trying to harm them, or wanting something from them. They’re just being generous. As adults, how many times do we put a deeper meaning into what someone says or does?

Are Innocent and Trusting

Children trust and accept what is told to them. They trust their parents will take care of them and things will be okay because we tell them so. What if you could take everyone’s word in good faith?

Can Be Brutally Honest

I’ve lost track of the number of times my son has told someone they are short or will die because they smoke cigarettes, or that he doesn’t like my cooking. While embarrassing, a side of me appreciates how his honesty is a reflection of his self-confidence. He’s not afraid to say what he really feels, in a non-malicious way. How many of us have lost that ability?

Don't Judge

Children don’t have strong opinions on race, color or disabilities. They are curious about the differences, but tend to accept everyone on their own merit. They forgive easily for mistakes – whether their own or someone else’s.

Give Unconditional Love
Even when they don’t receive it themselves, children love their family unconditionally, at all times.

In its purest form, love doesn’t judge and doesn’t have conditions attached to it. This is certainly easier said than done but is a goal worth striving for. The experience of receiving unconditional love is the only kind of love to experience in life.

And finally, children are persistent when they want something. Have you ever had a child ask you for a toy, treat or activity they want? Even when you say no, they ask every 5 minutes. And every time they *fully* expect to receive what they’re asking for, no matter how many times you’ve said no in the past. In business, they say you have to make contact with a prospect 7 – 9 times before they buy from you. Yet most people give up at the first sign of encountering resistance…in many aspects of their lives.

Whether it’s to explore your dreams without boundaries, approach projects with curiosity instead of fear, say what you really mean or expect to receive more joy in your life, I invite you to be a kid again. It might just get you what you want.

"I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it."

- Harry S. Truman