Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me

As our kids head back to school, we envision them as the ones soaking up knowledge rather than the ones dispensing it. But as I discovered long ago, kids see the world in ways that adults don’t, and if we pause and look at life through their eyes, we’ll learn more than we ever could have imagined. Here are a few things my kids have taught me over the years:

One hundred times is not too many when it’s your favorite book.

On the first day of school, sit in the middle of the bus.

Recess is the best part.

Don’t worry about crossing the street until you get to the curb.

Just keep banging until someone opens the door.

It doesn’t really count if you’re swinging the highest because you’re getting pushed.

Ask why until you understand.

If you wait until you’re really sure, you’ll never take off the training wheels.

Look at things upside down.

Don’t sit down until the game is over.

Sometimes you find the neatest dragonfly when you’re out looking for tadpoles.

Sign your name BIG.

If you kick the ball to another kid, he’ll probably kick it back.

Look behind the puppet theater.

Toads aren’t ugly – they’re just toads.

There are a lot of different ways to get to the top of the jungle gym.

It’s not really giving if you only give away the animal crackers with missing heads and feet.

It’s easier to see the mistakes on someone else’s paper.

You’re only little until someone littler comes along.

If the flowers you draw don’t look like anyone else’s, that’s GOOD.

Just because you’re wearing cowboy boots doesn’t mean you can ride a horse.

Don’t pop someone else’s bubble.

If you stand on tiptoe to be measured this year, you’ll have to stand on tiptoe for the rest of your life.

Crying gets you more attention, but not more friends.

Sometimes you need a Saturday on a Wednesday.

It’s hard to save the best for last.

Run with permission from Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me.