By: Alexandra Chacon / Mom’s Self-Care Retreat Organizer
Toddlers are full of wonder, curiosity, and energy. They are constantly learning and exploring the world around them. In the process, they teach us a lot about ourselves and about life.
Here are 5 life lessons that you can learn from your toddler:
1. Be present in the moment.
Toddlers are masters of living in the present moment. They are not concerned about the past or the future, they are simply focused on what is happening right now. This is something that we adults can learn a lot from. We often get so caught up in our thoughts about the past or the future that we forget to enjoy the present moment.
Next time you are with your toddler, take a moment to really focus on them and on what they are doing. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and just be there with them. You will be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
2. Be curious and ask questions.
Toddlers are naturally curious. They are always asking questions about the world around them. This is a great way to learn and grow. When we are curious, we are open to new experiences and new ideas. We are also more likely to be creative and innovative.
So next time you are with your toddler, encourage them to ask questions. Answer their questions honestly and thoughtfully. And don’t be afraid to ask questions yourself. You might be surprised at what you learn.
3. Be creative and expressive.
Toddlers are naturally creative. They love to use their imaginations to come up with new ideas and to express themselves. This is a wonderful quality to have. Creativity can help us solve problems, come up with new solutions, and see the world in new ways.
So next time you are with your toddler, provide them with opportunities to be creative. Let them play with art supplies, dress up, or make up stories. And be sure to praise their creativity.
4. Be resilient and persistent.
Toddlers are not afraid to fail. They will often try something new, even if they don’t succeed at first. This is a great quality to have. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and to keep trying. It is a key ingredient for success in life.
So next time your toddler fails at something, be there to offer support and encouragement. Help them to learn from their mistakes and to keep trying. And let them know that it is okay to fail. Everyone fails sometimes.
5. Be kind and compassionate.
Toddlers are naturally kind and compassionate. They care about others and they want to help. This is a wonderful quality to have. Kindness and compassion make the world a better place.
So next time you are with your toddler, point out examples of kindness and compassion in the world around you. Talk to them about the importance of being kind to others. And encourage them to be kind and compassionate themselves.
These are just a few of the life lessons that you can learn from your toddler. By paying attention to your toddler, you can learn a lot about yourself and about life. And you can help them to grow into kind, compassionate, and successful adults.
Here are some additional tips for learning from your toddler:
- Observe them closely. Pay attention to what they are doing, what they are interested in, and how they interact with the world around them.
- Talk to them about their experiences. Ask them questions about what they are doing and why they are doing it.
- Share your own experiences with them. Talk to them about your childhood and about the lessons that you have learned in life.
- Be a role model. Show them how you want them to behave by being kind, compassionate, and helpful yourself.
If you ever feel STUCK or on the verge of losing PATIENCE & UNDERSTANDING with your toddler (and/or any child in your life), here are some helpful resources:
- BOOK: The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson is a great introduction into the minds of your children & your own inner child. Book link –> www.amazon.com
- BOOK: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. The title says it alllllll. Book link –> ww.amazon.com
- PODCAST: Aha! Parenting is a website that provides practical advice on how to deal with common parenting challenges, such as tantrums and defiance. They also have a podcast and a blog. Link –> www.ahaparenting.com
- PARENTING NETWORK: The Positive Parenting Network offers a variety of resources, including articles, videos, and online courses, on how to raise children with patience, understanding, and compassion. Link –> www.theparentingnetwork.org
Learning from your toddler can be a fun and rewarding experience. It can help you to grow as a person and to become a better parent. So take some time to observe your toddler, talk to them, and share your own experiences with them. You might be surprised at what you learn.