6 Teachings from my 1.5 Year Old
Our little ones are wiser than we know and we can learn from them too as we teach them new things. Here are 6 things I have been reflecting on recently as my baby girl approaches her toddlerhood…
- Wake Up and Have a Positive Attitude
Too many times as adults we dread the day before it really even begins. We stress about work, responsibilities, pressures to achieve goals, how tired we are, etc. As a result of all of these extenuating circumstances, our attitudes become deprived of the big picture—the opportunity to improve ourselves (or to be thankful to be alive for that matter). Success begins with a positive attitude. And if there is one thing that I have learned since getting my daughter out of her crib every morning, it’s that she has a positive attitude, smile on her face, and is ready to roll for the day. Try it; you’ll find yourself having a better outlook on life or making moves and decisions to do what is most important for you and your family.
- Recognition and Attention are Important
When I am kicking it with Gracie, I find myself constantly and positively reinforcing any good hygienic, motor, or educational behaviors she learns or does. Whether she is brushing her teeth, counting numbers, or feeding herself, I always exemplify my “good jobs” and “WOWs” to her as a parent because I appreciate her taking on new things and want her to continue being awesome. Yet as adults (co-workers, couples, friends), we forget to show each other this type of attention and gratitude sometimes, resulting in spurts of “being taken for granted” in these relationships. When was the last time you gave/received a real genuine “thank you” for doing the dishes, helping a friend or co-worker out, or making dinner? We are all guilty of this. Lord knows I am. So fellas, make sure you drop in a kiss and a nice butt tap to your lady next time she does your laundry. It’ll do wonders for you.
- Have a Good Time and Do What it Do
As adults we have so many insecurities, especially physically. Sometimes we need to learn to just let go and make due with what we currently are working with. Babies don’t care. They’ll run around bare ass just because they feel like it. Take this teaching away from them. Now I’m not promoting the need to go streaking all of the sudden in public (unless you want to go to jail), but I am saying rock your mom or dad bod at the beach without concern, throw on a comfortable outfit instead of one that looks fashionable and feels terrible, or take a day away from the cosmetics. Yesterday Gracie rocked her belly out in her bikini with her rain boots on for no reason. She was just doing what it do, makes me proud. Stop worrying about the criticism and stop criticizing others. I’m going to the pool later today and I’m rocking my triceps in combination with my beer belly because they’re all I’ve got. Rock on.
- Mistakes Happen, Learn From Them
Cliché. I know. But it needs to be said, especially in the adult world of chaos. You’re going to make mistakes. 1.5 weeks ago Gracie stood on one of her chairs upstairs, tilted over, and slammed into the dresser busting her lip. Guess what? She hasn’t done it since. Another solid takeaway…
- Take A Nap/Rest
Seriously, take a nap just because. How cranky is your kid before a nap, and how awesome are they when they wake up from one? Adults need a midday snooze too. We have a lot going on. R-E-L-A-X.
- Be Patient, Hard Work Pays Off
Babies start from ground zero, and we as their parents have the luxury of watching all of their growth and development. Heck, we’ll watch them for the rest of their lives. If there is one thing I know, it’s that you can’t force walking on an infant. It took Gracie 15 months to get moving on her feet, much longer than most babies born after her. But good things come to those who put in the work and are patient. The feeling of achievement is what matters most, not being first. We tend to forget this as adults and lose substance because we try to rush around so much. I’ll never forget the happiness we all experienced as a family when Gracie got happy feet. So next time you’re having a rough day, remember how long it took for your kid to start walking, talking, or feeding themselves. Now keep putting in the work! It’ll pay off.
Peace and Carpe Diem!
