20 Essential Life Lessons We Learn from Children

Forget what you think you know about wisdom coming with age. Sometimes, the greatest teachers walk knee-high alongside us. Children, with their boundless energy, unfiltered curiosity, and enthusiasm for life, offer a wealth of life lessons for us all. Here are 20 essential reminders we can glean from these little bundles of wonder, helping us rediscover the joy of living and approach life with a renewed sense of purpose.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels.

#1 Curiosity

Boy with Curly Hair Looking Through a Magnifying Glass on His One Eye
Image Credit: RDNE Stock project /Pexels.com.

Children are like insatiable explorers, constantly peppering the world with questions and wielding a powerful “why?” Children remind us that curiosity isn’t just a childhood trait; it’s the fuel that ignites a love of learning. By embracing their inquisitive nature, we can rediscover the joy of exploration and delve deeper into the world around us.

#2 Creativity

Black mother with children playing in room
Image Credit: Monstera Production /Pexels.com.

Faced with a challenge, a child might turn a pile of pillows into a spaceship or a cardboard box into a magnificent castle. Their boundless creativity teaches us to think outside the box and approach problems from unique angles. When we tap into our own inner child, we can unlock innovative solutions and find beauty in unconventional thinking.

#3 Resilience

Side view of little girl giving pills to mother during doctors reception in clinic
Image Credit: IgorVetushko /Depositphotos.com.

Playground scrapes and missed goals can’t keep a determined child down for long. They dust themselves off, learn from their stumbles, and try again with unwavering determination. Children are testaments to the power of resilience, teaching us to bounce back from setbacks and face challenges with unwavering spirit.

#4 Living in the Moment

A Girl in Printed Dress Collecting Grass Flowers
Image Credit: Алексей Гвоздев /Pexels.com.

Children are masters of mindfulness, fully engaged in the present moment. They experience joy, frustration, and everything in between with complete focus. By embracing their present-centered approach, we can learn to savor the simple pleasures of life, appreciate the beauty in each moment, and let go of worries about the future or regrets about the past.

#5 Authenticity

A boy holding a jar of chocolate
Image Credit: cottonbro studio /Pexels.com.

Children wear their hearts on their sleeves, expressing their emotions freely and honestly. They teach us the value of being true to ourselves, even when it’s not popular. In a world that often pressures conformity, embracing our authentic selves, just like a child, allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and live a life of integrity.

#6 Forgiveness

Cute little boys in Birthday hats and with balloons on color background
Image Credit: serezniy /Depositphotos.com.

A grudge held by a child rarely lasts long. A simple apology or a shared toy can erase even the biggest transgression. They show us the power of forgiveness and the freedom it brings. Holding onto anger and resentment only weighs us down. By learning to forgive others, as children do so effortlessly, we can lighten our emotional load and cultivate inner peace.

#7 Unconditional Love

Smiling little boy looking at camera and covering eyes of smiling grandmother. Kid / child.
Image Credit: EdZbarzhyvetsky /Depositphotos.com.

A child’s love is pure and without judgment. They offer affection freely, seeking connection and acceptance. They remind us of the importance of showing love and compassion to others, regardless of their flaws or shortcomings. By practicing unconditional love, as children do so naturally, we can foster stronger relationships and create a more positive and loving world.

#8 Living Fearlessly

Boys Climbing Adventure
Image Credit: Thunyarat Klaiklang /Pexels.com.

Children approach new experiences with wide eyes and open hearts. They climb trees without hesitation and jump into pools with uninhibited joy. Their fearlessness encourages us to embrace challenges and step outside of our comfort zones. By letting go of inhibitions and embracing a childlike sense of adventure, we can unlock new experiences and discover hidden strengths.

#9 Dream Big

Anonymous kid in police uniform pulling cap over face
Image Credit: Amina Filkins /Pexels.com.

Unburdened by the weight of cynicism or practicality, children dream with a boundless enthusiasm. They see themselves soaring through the cosmos as astronauts, wielding paintbrushes as renowned artists, or even saving the day as superheroes. Their unbridled imagination reminds us to hold onto our own dreams, no matter how outlandish they may seem.

#10 Joy in Small Things

Excited children tossing leaves in park
Image Credit: Charles Parker /Pexels.com.

A child can find endless amusement in a puddle of rainwater or a pile of fallen leaves. They remind us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures and find happiness in everyday moments. By taking a cue from children and slowing down to savor the little things, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and find joy in the ordinary.

#11 Adaptability

Kid / child looking at phone while sitting on sofa and smiling.
Image Credit: IgorVetushko /Depositphotos.com.

Children are adaptable creatures. They might resist early on, but they adjust to new routines, environments, and people with remarkable ease. They teach us the importance of flexibility and adaptability in navigating life’s changes. By embracing change with a childlike spirit, we can learn to roll with the punches and thrive in uncertain situations.

#12 Empathy

Grandfather and child in hospital. Young girl.
Image Credit: AndreyBezuglov /Depositphotos.com.

Witness a child witnessing another cry, and they’ll likely offer a hug or a concerned look. Their natural empathy reminds us of the importance of kindness and understanding in our interactions with others. By developing our capacity for empathy, we can build stronger connections, foster compassion, and create a more supportive world.

#13 Non-Judgment

Happy children in the swimming pool. Funny kids playing outdoors. Summer vacation concept
Image Credit: Yaruta /Depositphotos.com.

Children embrace differences with wide-eyed wonder. They see the world in all its colorful variety, unfazed by skin tone, background, or ability. They teach us the importance of accepting others regardless of their differences and practicing non-judgment. By letting go of preconceived notions and embracing diversity, we can enrich our lives and create a more inclusive world.

#14 Easy Friendships

Curious children taking instant photo on retro photo camera
Image Credit: Amina Filkins /Pexels.com.

Children possess an uncanny ability to make friends with remarkable ease. On the playground, a simple shared toy or a burst of laughter can blossom into a lifelong bond. They teach us the importance of building genuine connections and fostering friendships throughout life. In a world that can sometimes feel isolating, children remind us of the power of human connection and the joy found in shared experiences.

#15 Playfulness

Photo of Kids Playing in Kitchen Counter Top with Whisker
Image Credit: Pexels.

Children embrace playfulness and spontaneity in their daily lives. They turn a chore into a game and find laughter in the most unexpected places. They teach us to lighten up and not take ourselves too seriously. By incorporating playfulness into our lives, we can reduce stress, connect with others, and add a touch of magic to the ordinary.

#16 Honesty

Studio shot of a young blonde girl making silly faces on a blue background. Child. Kid.
Image Credit: kmlPhoto /Depositphotos.com.

Children are often brutally honest, blurting out truths with a refreshing lack of guile. They teach us the importance of honesty and integrity in our words and actions. By embracing honesty, as children do so naturally, we can build trust with others and live a life of authenticity.

#17 Unconditional Self-Love

Adorable happy kid / child with raised hands in mittens standing in snow. Winter.
Image Credit: AllaSerebrina /Depositphotos.com.

Children have a natural sense of self-love and acceptance. They embrace their quirks and imperfections without shame. They remind us to love ourselves unconditionally and embrace our flaws. By cultivating self-love, as children do so innately, we can build our self-esteem, increase our resilience, and foster healthier relationships.

#18 Embrace Their Feelings

Upset problem child with head in hands sitting on staircase concept for bullying, depression stress or frustration
Image Credit: BrianAJackson /Depositphotos.com.

Children wear their hearts on their sleeves, a kaleidoscope of emotions on display for the world to see. They express joy with infectious laughter, cry openly when they’re sad, and let their anger be known with a mighty stomp of their foot. Their uninhibited expression of emotions reminds us that it’s okay to feel our feelings and express them healthily.

#19 Imagination

Two Kids Doing Some Artworks
Image Credit: Artem Podrez /Pexels.com.

A child’s mind is a boundless playground, where a stick becomes a magic wand and a cardboard box transforms into a spaceship. Their vivid imaginations inspire us to tap into our own creativity and see the world with endless possibilities. By embracing a childlike sense of wonder, we can reignite our passion for life and find beauty in the everyday.

#20 Embracing Failure

Happy schoolboy writing in notepad in classroom
Image Credit: IgorVetushko /Depositphotos.com.

For a child, failure is simply a stepping stone on the path to learning. A dropped toy or a missed jump shot is an opportunity to improve. They teach us to view mistakes as a natural part of the learning process, not a reason for discouragement. By embracing failure as children do, we can develop growth mindsets and persevere through challenges.

Like our content? Be sure to follow us.

15 Everyday Things Baby Boomers Had 40 Years Ago That Are Luxuries Now

woman wearing black cap holding bottle on white speedboat during daytime
Image Credit: Pexels.

As we ride the waves of technological progress, manufacturing efficiencies and cheap supply chains, some everyday aspects that were once standard now seem like relics of a bygone era. Let us take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as social media users reminisce about luxuries that were once ordinary.

15 Everyday Things Baby Boomers Had 40 Years Ago That Are Luxuries Now

27 Activities to Avoid After Age 75

Close up of retired man with grey hair holding walking cane
Image Credit: AndrewLozovyi /Depositphotos.com.

In this article, we look at common activities that seniors might need to approach carefully or skip entirely to lower the risk of injury or other problems. By recognizing these potential risks and making smart choices, older adults can focus on staying safe and enjoying life as they grow older.

27 Activities to Avoid After Age 75