What Children have Taught Me…
To See Through a Child’s Eyes
I believe the best relationships are symbiotic, and my career has put me in the wonderful position to learn from children. The life skills they continue to teach enrich my life and understanding. One of the most valuable lessons is the ability to see another perspective, with a world view from 3 feet off the ground.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
– Marcel Proust
To Listen/Be Present
Another valuable lesson I’ve learned is to Listen. (I’ve become quite good at “toddlerspeak” with its flipped consonants and creative phrasing.) Living in the moment is what being a child is all about, so I’ve learned to take that 2-minute diversion from my rushed schedule to hear a story about their day, let them check out a bug or master a zipper.
To Slow Down
I’ve also discovered the importance of Slowing Down, in thought and practice. For one thing, their legs are shorter! At a young age, the learning curve is extremely steep. Children need time to process and enjoy life. I offer them my hand instead of wordlessly grasping theirs. Little ones like to hold my finger rather than have me grab their wrist. This helps them exercise control and balance. And it’s gentler on their rotator cuffs!
“Things don’t grow unless we nurture them with our patience.”
– Song Lyric by First Aid Kit
To use My Imagination
With children, everything is new. I love to see the spark of comprehension, that look of amazement. I encourage their inherent curiosity, imagination and sense of adventure. (I’ve answered a lot of “Why” questions from 3 year olds.) Children don’t yet know what isn’t possible so their “imaginings” can go anywhere – and often materialize.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge, for knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, where imagination embraces the entire world, and all there will ever be to know and understand.”
– Albert Einstein
To be Spontaneous
I believe spontaneity and fun create an ideal environment for children. A wide variety of activities keeps young ones engaged, and also contributes to a well rounded education. I come from an humorous, artistic and resourceful family which has enabled me to bring out the same qualities in children. I create projects to help children with their fine and gross motor skills, as well as problem-solving and collaboration. My spirit jumps for joy when I hear a child say, “ I have an idea!”
“When the voices of children are heard on the green and laughing is heard on the hill, my heart is at rest within my breast and everything else is still.”
– William Blake
