5 LESSONS FROM MY KIDS

Here is a truth that I can't wrap my head around: by the end of this year I will have a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old. Everyone told me that it "goes so fast", but that's an understatement in my opinion. Now that my kids can talk, they're full of funny quips, questions, and thoughts that keep me on my toes.

I was captured the other day about how children view the world through eyes of innocence and simplicity. Here's a short list of some of the lessons that my kids have been teaching me lately.

PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN.

There is a constant battle these days between the time we spend interacting with one another and the time we spend looking at a screen. I'm guilty of this. I'm bad about this. All I know is that I need boundaries when it comes to being connected. I refuse to miss out on the important moments of life because I'm checking my "likes" on Instagram.

LET'S PLAY A GAME.

This is probably my favorite lesson because my kids are teaching me the value of stopping from the hustle to relax and simply play. There are so many ways to engage the heart and mind of a child while you're playing a game. We can teach them how to play fair, how to follow directions, how to lose graciously, and how to win with dignity. 

HOLD ME.

This lesson helps me understand the importance of seasons or phases in our lives. The truth is that I won't always be able to pick up my kids and hold them. I better take advantage of the best part of these seasons while they're here because once they're gone, you can't get them back.

WILL YOU KISS IT?

Somehow a kiss from mom or dad on the "exact" spot of the hurt makes the pain go away. I'm not sure about the chemistry of how this healing takes place, but I'm glad to be the physician. This lesson teaches me that a little bit sometimes goes far beyond what we realize.


IT'S "WATCH ME NAE-NAE" TIME.

Sure, cut down my credibility for listening to Silento with my kids. This lesson teaches me not to take myself so seriously. Sometimes, after a stressful day, there's nothing like a quick dance party to let loose and let each other know that we're in this together.

These are 5 real life quotes from my kids. I hope I never feel like I'm above learning from them. Thanks for reading, and I hope these inspired you to integrate a little more innocence and simplicity into your life and leadership.

If you have kids, or work with kids, what are some lessons that they've taught you?