Babies come to the world as a blank slate. They can’t communicate properly or take care of themselves. But as they grow, they rapidly develop a sense of the world and start exhibiting behaviors that most parents would consider obnoxious.
But in the midst of all that, there are behaviors that could actually benefit adults. We can all learn to pick up one or two of these carefree activities and forget, for a moment, what it’s like to be an adult.
1. Learning to have fun on your own
Adults love the company of other adults. They are our friends and support systems, and can provide comfort when we need it the most. But sometimes, we get a little too dependent on the company of other adults to the point where we can’t have fun without another person present.
Children are masters of having fun by themselves. They are so good at it that parents immediately start freaking out when the house goes quiet for more than two minutes; you immediately assume that they are up to something bad. But at the bottom of it all, they just know how to find little things to enjoy on their own.
2. Understanding that it’s okay to make a mess
Most parents don’t like to see this, especially when you’ve just splurged on some gorgeous kaftans for kids. But letting loose and allowing yourself to make a mess can be very therapeutic. Some people believe it’s one of the reasons why children are always smiling and happy.
Think about it; people pay top dollar just to be able to smash stuff and let out all their pent-up frustration. That’s pretty much a more energy-intensive version of covering yourself with spaghetti or doodling on the wall with crayons.
3. Watching silly cartoons
This is something many adults practice already, and unsurprisingly, their kids drag them into it. Have you ever stared at the screen and wondered what kids find so amusing about a train chatting with a truck? Well maybe the appeal is to not understand it but simply go with the flow.
Studios like Pixar and Dreamworks have made this even easier for adults by releasing great movies like Toy Story. They are whimsical enough for kids but also have a complex and intriguing story for adults to enjoy. So kick back and enjoy the playfulness of a cartoon.
4. Splashing in puddles
There’s something weirdly satisfying about making a large puddle of water splash and ripple under the impact of your feet. Kids can’t explain it and adults certainly can’t either. But it’s just satisfying for some reason.
Like other childish things, you don’t necessarily have to understand to enjoy it. But before you splash in another puddle, be sure you have the right shoes. Otherwise, you could find yourself needing to replace your shoes often.
5. Expressing yourself
Kids may not be the best communicators around, but they try their very best. Once your child is old enough to talk, you often don’t have to guess what’s on their mind because they will tell you without reservations. They ask questions, tell you about their day, and even whine about the butterfly chasing them.
It’s amazing how these lessons can be applied to adulthood. Expressing yourself, even in uncomfortable situations can help you get what you want quickly. It will also make you feel better, knowing that everyone knows exactly where you stand.
6. Staying optimistic
Children see the world through rose-tinted glasses that often lead them to silly decisions. They want to see and interact with everything and laugh with everyone. This child-like wonder is one of the things people adore the most about children.
As parents, we know that the world isn’t rose-colored at all. But that shouldn’t stop us from trying to experience life the same way that children do. That kind of naive optimism is, sometimes, what we need to survive in the real world.
7. Dancing without rhythm
The internet is littered with videos of dancing toddlers. They suddenly start moving their cute arms and legs even though they don’t understand the lyrics or get the rhythm. They don’t even let giggling siblings and cameras stop them. Children just let loose and have fun.
Most adults wouldn’t be caught dead dancing without rhythm. They prefer to stay seated and move their head while quietly enjoying the music. But every once in a while, it’s great to dance, make a fool of yourself and give your kids something to laugh about. You’ll feel much better after.
8. Sharing everything
Kids want to share everything with you, from their half-eaten snacks to details about their day. They are, quite literally, open books that will give you as much as you’re willing to accept. But as we grow up, we encounter disappointments and we share details with people who aren’t as willing.
As a result, we recede into our shell and stop sharing. It’s a great idea to take a cue from these cute humans and get back into the spirit of sharing. And like kids, we should try to only share with people who love us.
9. Speaking your mind
“Kids say the funniest things” is a very popular show that features some of the most ridiculous things children say. The show is so great because it captures on film what we all know that kids say. Growing up, we quickly learn that you don’t say everything in your mind, and it’s sometimes better to keep it to yourself.
But think of how much more satisfying it is just to say things as they come to you. Granted, it’s better to do this in the company of close friends and family. That way, you’re less likely to get sideways glances.
10. Moving on
Kids move on very quickly and parents know this. It’s why you can take away your kid’s toy and you’re not worried because you know she’s about to forget! In fact, she’ll be obsessing over another toy by dinner time.
Adults need to adopt this habit of moving on because it makes it so much easier to deal with the disappointments we face every day. Imagine if you could forget about the company that didn’t hire you by dinner and start applying to other positions the following day!
