Life Lessons I Have Learned From My Children

It’s almost the end of 2021, and I find myself reflecting not just on this past year but on my life, in general. I’ve come to realize that there are so many life lessons I have learned from my children.

Everyone thinks they have the most brilliant kids. When they are young, you and your husband are fascinated (and very proud) by their first words, steps, and giggles. You are the center of their world, and they learn everything from you on how to function as a human.

Remember potty training? Or, taking away the binky? Fun times. How about sharing and learning to get along with others? All milestones in a child’s life. It truly is a fascinating process to create a family and teach your children how to live life.

But, what about the things your children teach you? It can be a two-way street if you allow it.

Exerting Some Independence

When Erin was about four years old, she insisted on dressing herself for Pre-K one day. She put on a pair of striped leggings and a multicolored top. This ensemble was complemented by sandals even though it was winter. She pranced in front of the full-length mirror in her room and was pleased as punch with herself.

I gently tried to steer her towards something that matched a little better, but she refused to waiver. I won’t lie, I was embarrassed to take her to school that day as she looked a bit wild. We were late, so I gave in and took her anyway.

The teacher was waiting in the schoolyard as the children lined up to go inside. As Erin took her place in line, the teacher walked over to her and said, “I see someone dressed themselves this morning.” Erin was beaming and so proud of herself.

Erin showed me that she was capable of dressing herself. It was not about matching a top to a bottom; it was about selecting an outfit, putting it on herself, and Erin feeling confident in her choices.

She taught me that a lesson learned is way more important than appearance. If I had forced her to wear something else, it would have been due to my insecurities. I am embarrassed to admit this, but all I could think about was what good mom would let her child walk around in that outfit? I was afraid the teacher would think I was crazy for letting her out of the house dressed that way.

But, it was never about me. It was all about my little girl exerting some independence and learning to be confident in herself. What a terrific lesson we both learned!

Life Lesson on Doing the Right Thing

In grammar school, my son Michael became involved in a controversial confrontation that showed his loyalty at a very young age. If he calls you his friend, you will never have to question whether he has your back.

While sitting in the lunchroom at school one day, Mike noticed a boy bullying his friend. It started with verbal taunts and quickly escalated to where the boy started choking the other boy. Mike promptly sprung into action, ran over, and pulled the boy off of his friend as he was hurting him. His friend was coughing and gasping for air!

Unfortunately, Mike was reprimanded and spent a few days eating lunch with the principal due to school policy. There was a zero-tolerance policy for physical altercations at school. I agree with the policy; however, there are always exceptions to the rule.

Mike saw someone hurting his friend and immediately came to his aid. He stopped one student from bullying another. I know this is a controversial situation, but I am proud of Mike’s loyalty to his friend. Sometimes, you have to step up and help a friend in need.

Mike taught me that doing the right thing can come with consequences. But, it is never wrong to do the right thing. (And yes, he did call out for the lunch lady first, but he got there quicker.)

Our role as parents is to prepare our children for life outside of the home. We cannot be with them every minute of the day, so we need to trust we have groomed them into fine human beings. What a joy it is to see such evidence and learn from them!

My children are young adults now, and I learn from them every day. I could quickly write many chapters of a book citing how brilliant they are because, well, they are my kids, after all. Fear not! That is not the path I am taking here.

Instead, I would like to point out that there are lessons all around us. We need to look for them and be open to them. Just because you have done something one way, your entire life, doesn’t mean it is the right way or the only way. It’s fun to try new things!

Ten Things I Have Recently Learned

• You no longer have to fry bacon, you can BAKE it!
• Self-care is not just a manicure; it’s also reading a book or doing a craft.
• “Exclusive” means going steady in Boomer speak.
• Clubhouse is an audio based social media app, not a rec center.
• People no longer live to work; they work to live.
• Company loyalty is long gone on both sides of the street.
• 100% has replaced “Yes, I agree.”
• Home phone lines are obsolete.
• Ditto for top sheets on beds.
• Young adults prioritize travel over living arrangements.

I may or may not have had the list above confirmed by my brilliant children.

What do you remember your children teaching you when they were little? Any nuggets of wisdom you can share? Are they continuing to educate you? Were you familiar with any of the ten things I listed above? They have helped me in my quest of outwitting life!

Has anything I’ve written resonated with you? Let me know in the comment section below, and, as usual, please follow me on Instagram and Facebook.