I had the opportunity to spend part of my morning with my friend Melissa and her two children, Alex (2 years) and Eliana (10 months). I’m so glad I had my camera, because what I captured tells the story better than my words can.
1) Be curious. Wonder. Participate in life from the ground up. Don’t be afraid to mess up. You can always start again.
2) Ask lot’s of questions. (Even if you think they’re silly) Life is about learning and growing, no matter your age.
3) When having a serious conversation, eat chocolate… and laugh… throw your head back and let loose. (Chocolate and laughing make everything better.)
4) Play and Explore (Be resourceful)
Build a drum set from the buckets you just took off your head when you were being a robot. Play hide and seek with the nearest blanket. Sit in the rocking chair backwards.
“Mommy, wanna go look for giants with me?”
This question from Alex diverted me from all other conversation.
“Melissa, did he just ask you to go look for giants?!” I asked.
“Yes. We look for giants at least once a day.” she replied.
5) Take naps. Even if you don’t think you’re tired…
Feeling grumpy? Chances are, ya just need a nap.
Children are the best teachers. And most of them don’t even use words. They use action. It’s not always the right action, but it’s action nonetheless. They don’t sit around, talking about it and wait to see what happens.
When did we (adults) stop learning by doing?
When did we choose to walk away from a challenge and instead immerse ourselves in a Google search or social media for the answer?
When did we stop playing?
Why don’t we laugh with abandon?
When was the last time you sat on the floor, observing your surroundings?
Some of us need to revisit childhood. If you don’t like the one you had, ask someone to take you back with them to theirs.
Come back and tell us about your adventures in the comment section.
Other things I learned on my morning excursion…
A single shoestring can transform a toddler into a giant-slayer.
Egg cartons double as very hungry caterpillars.
Robots get hungry too.
What are you learning from your kids…or friends kids…or nieces and nephews, grandchildren or students in your class? Have any great pictures that tell a story? Email them to me at joycannisphotography(at)gmail(dot)com
Even A Girl Like Me 
That picture of the one eye out from under the blanket is great. I liked the one with the boy on his mom. When my kids were little I’d get on my hands and knees and they’d climb on my back and see if they could hang on with me trying to bounce them off. Got pretty crazy at times but they never lasted!!
That’s one of my favorites too, Mark 🙂
I love that, as a dad, you were willing to get down on the floor with your kiddos and… wait for it… PLAY.
As adults, we need to play more. We need to order ice cream in a cone instead of a cup. We need to feel the grass under bare feet, not worrying about our un-pedicured toes.
Thanks for reading and always interacting in the comments. I don’t say it enough, but it means a lot.
OH MY! I’m squealing with delight! Great post. LOVE the photos 🙂
I’m so glad! I meant to tag you in the post.
Mel may never let me come visit again if I document every moment 😉 I wish I was able to get Alex sticking his fingers in the freshly baked banana bread. Now THAT would have been priceless 🙂
I’ll handle her you just keep bringing your camera! You are very talented on so many levels. It is such a blessing for me to see the kiddos. Helps bridge the distance.
Awe! Okay, good!