7 Lessons I Learn From My Kids Everyday

I have 5 kids between the ages of 3 and 11. Observing them has taught me so much about life. 

These 7 lessons I learn from my kids everyday are also the traits we want our kids to hold on to as they grow up. Unfortunately, this can only happen if adults are intentional about letting kids be kids. 

1. Beginner's Mindset

Kids are fearless learners.

Beginner's mindset is the key to learning anything.

This is why kids pick things up so fast. Adults are inhibited by what we think we can and cannot do.

2. Grit

Kids don't give up easily.

They have a beautiful obduracy about them.

One of the most important qualities adults need is grit. Sheer determination to never ever give up.

3. Creativity

Kids are endlessly creative.

The other day my 3 yo said to me 'I can watch TV'. I told him to ask nicely 'Can I watch TV'.

He replied 'TV I can watch'.

4. Spontaneity

Kids live in the moment.

They break into a dance when they feel like it. Or hum a tune. Or play Red Light Green Light.

Kids don't care what people around them think. The only thing that matters to them is that they are having fun.

5. Play

Kids can turn anything into play.

Meal, bath, walk.

Scratch inventor Mitch Resnick observed that kindergarten is becoming more like the rest of school. He argues for exactly the opposite: the rest of school (even the rest of life) should be more like kindergarten.

6. Curiosity

Kids don't stop asking why.

They want to know the answer to everything, and they are not satisfied until they get to the root of the issue.

Elon Musk calls this first principles thinking.

Kids think like Elon Musk.

7. Laughter

Kids laugh a lot.

They cry a lot too, but they laugh way more than adults.

When you are endlessly creative, live in the moment and can turn anything into play, you laugh a lot.

Find the inner child in you.

Laugh harder. Laugh more often.

Where To Start?

This is an easy one. Let kids be kids. 

As parents, we want to protect our kids - from falling, failing, frustrations. In doing so, we inhibit our kids and their natural instinct to be curious, spontaneous and resilient. This is easier said than done, but unless a child is in imminent physical danger, parents need to resist the urge to step in the moment a child falls, makes a mistake, or becomes frustrated. Often times, it is through overcoming struggles that a child (or an adult, for that matter) learns. 

Interestingly, a few parents have asked me whether I can manufacture hardship for their child. They feel their kids have it too easy in life. They understand how overcoming challenges can strengthen their child's mental and emotional fortitude, and develop their problem-solving skills. My team at Doyobi has created a metaverse where kids build skills through collaborative problem-solving. If you are looking for a safe environment where your child is constantly being challenged, check out the Doyobi website. 

Book recommendations:

How to Raise Happy and Successful Children by Esther WojcickiThe Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel

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Till the next issue, stay safe, folks!