When Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was getting ready to hit theaters, a major part of the marketing leading up to its release was the character of Baby Groot. He’s cute, he’s adorable – and he steals the movie. Just like Groot, kids are cute and smart. We’ve all heard the cliche that you learn more from your kids than they learn from you, but is that true? Quite possibly. Here are a few things you can learn from toddlers.
1. Everything can be put in your mouth. When you have a toddler, anything goes when it comes to putting it in their mouth. It is one of the ways toddlers explore and learn about their world. Of course, we have to watch to make sure that they don’t hurt themselves. But there is a lesson to be learned from this: You never know what the purpose of something is until you try it. Does that mean you should put everything in your mouth? No, but be willing to look at things in a different way, and you might find a new use for something!
2. Run all the time. Have you ever tried to contain a toddler in a department store? Let’s just say there is a reason someone thought of leashes for little kids. Toddlers run. They don’t walk. It’s always a run. And while that can be annoying for the adult trying to keep up, it’s also really fun. So here’s the lesson: Run! Don’t be afraid to put the pedal to the metal and give something your all. It might just be the most fun you’ve ever had!
3. Take a nap. The most glorious time of day for a parent of a young child: nap time. It may be a struggle to get there, but oh, when it happens, what sweet peace and joy. As much as kids may fight it; they love it too. They wake up refreshed to a new world with all the energy they need to tackle it, and they’ve done a little growing too. So when you start to feel overtired, cranky and a little hyperactive like a two year old, then it’s probably time for a nap. And remember that research has shown napping is good for you!
There are many lessons we can learn from those precious tykes. So now that you know a few, watch your kids closely. They are teaching you more than you know, and it’s up to you to soak up the knowledge!