Things to learn from a toddler

Motherhood’, one of the purest feelings one can ever find. The word itself is a combination of happiness, strength, worries, responsibilities, love, care and endless emotions. It is said that a child’s first friend or guru is her mother who teaches her to differentiate between good and bad. This process of learning is tough and challenging too. The way we teach them about life and its lessons, the same way they also teach us many things. If we are humble enough to take lessons from them, our children can teach us the toughest things in easiest way. 13 Months back when I got my own ‘bundle of joy’, I realised how unknowingly she is teaching  me so many things. Holding her in my arms gives me immense happiness which can't be framed in words. Like every other parents we  always try to make her learn the good things and values in every possible way. Generally we spend so much time in presenting ourselves the as the best parent or teacher but we often forget that there is so much we can learn from our children also.

Here are some of the points enlisted that we can learn even from a toddler.

1. Happiness - A child’s happiness is reflected in its smile. They don't need big reasons to be happy, instead  they can find it in very simple things. They always create a positive aura. Even if we talk to them loudly or shout at them, they simply reply with a smile. They follow the ‘forget’ and ‘forgive’ rule.

2. Curiosity - Consistency - Carefreeness-  Curiosity is something that always keeps them busy. They will constantly explore new things. No matter how many times they fall, they will step on stairs, try to open the cupboard, tear the papers, unfold clothes, jump on bed and  will repeat it continuously. They are the carefree souls who don't know about boundaries and limitations.

3. Express yourself - Kids never ever hesitate to express their true feelings. Be it happiness, anger, sadness or excitement. They teach us not to hide your inner emotions.

4. No means no - This line especially refers to those who are ‘picky eaters’. You cannot feed them by force what they don't like. They are brutally honest about their choices. Even if you are impolite or rude to them, they would simply reject what they dislike.

5. Gradual adaptation new things - Kids are constant learners, ever since the day they are born they start adapting to the new environment, new family and so on. The transition phase of ‘womb’ to ‘world’ is not easy for them also. They gradually learn lessons of life and step by step clear each milestone. They constantly struggle to create a connection with the people around.

6. Patience- They always test out patience. Sometimes we are calm and composed but often we fail in our patience test. When we deeply try to analyse the current developmental stage of the child, we can understand why they show unexpected or undesired behaviour  which is opposite to our expectations. After all they are also trying their best to adapt in the new environment. Patience is something that we both (we the parents and the kids) try to learn simultaneously.

- By Richa Mishra Pandey