4 Things I’ve Learned from My Toddler
With Gray’s 4th birthday quickly approaching, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much my life has changed in the last four years. It’s been more challenging than I ever could have imagined, but I’ve also experienced more joy than I ever thought possible.
As a mom, I’m constantly worried about the things I’m teaching my son. I wonder if I’m teaching him enough, and if I’m teaching him the right things. It’s so funny how much time I spend thinking about this when Gray effortlessly teaches me so much on a daily basis. There’s a quote that says “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” I’m totally not a quote type of person, and I know it’s cheesy but it’s so true.
Children are so pure and have such a fresh perspective on life. There really is so much that can be learned from them if we slow down and listen to them. Here are four of the things my son has taught me in his four years of life:
- Find the Joy
In this Instagram post I talked about a recent experience where a Saturday definitely did NOT turn out as planned. I was so frustrated, exhausted and disappointed. It was supposed to be a special adventure for Gray and I, and even though things didn’t work out Gray will still as happy as ever. In fact, he’s always had fun no matter what we’re doing. I took a cue from him and we made the best out of the day. Seeing his positive attitude, and how excited he was about something so small really put things into perspective. Whether he’s splashing in puddles, playing in cardboard box or going to Disneyland, Gray always has a blast. Finding the joy in the smallest moments is one of my favorite things that Gray has taught me.
2. Slow Down
I am constantly on the go, and I honestly feel guilty when I sit down or am not actively doing something. Sometimes I get frustrated that it takes two hours to get out of the house because Gray always wants to play. Instead of always being stressed about time, I’m finally learning to slow down. It’s going to take the same amount of time regardless of whether or not I’m chasing Gray around the house like a crazy person, so I might as well enjoy our time together. When I look back years from now, I know the things that both Gray and I will remember are the times we’re laughing and playing together-not that time I was late to work. I need to stop being “too busy” to do the things that are actually important like taking a few minutes to play superheroes with Gray ,or running around outside having a squirt gun fight.
3. Be Adventurous
Before becoming a boy mom, I definitely would not have referred to myself as adventurous. I was actually terrified when I found out I was having a boy because I had no idea how to deal with little boys. These days it’s pretty standard to find me and Gray running outside playing cops and robbers, having nerf gun fights and playing the hot lava game. I’m not afraid to get dirty, and I live for adventures with my guys. It’s actually way more fun participating in all of the fun instead of sitting on the sidelines looking pretty (yes, that was a sports analogy-I think).
4. Love Unconditionally
When Gray loves someone, he loves them unconditionally. I fall short on a daily basis, and he never loves me any less. He loves so fiercely with his entire heart. The love of a child is something so pure and special. I don’t even know if it’s possible for an adult to love in such an unselfish way, but Gray has definitely inspired me to do my best to love unconditionally.
I hope this post inspires you to stop and listen the next time you’re with your little ones because they really do have so much to teach us.
Related posts
Luxurious Natural Skincare with Isa Lazo
I was recently introduced to Isa Lazo, a mother-daughter founded collection that’s inspired by generations of knowledge and uses nature’s elements to reach the ultimate level of self-care. The products are cruelty-free, non-toxic and eco-friendly. Oh and did I mention celebrities like Blake Lively and Shay Mitchell are fans of the collection? The products are…
Boosting Immunity and Energy Levels with Tahitian Noni Juice
I’m constantly looking for new supplements to incorporate into my morning routine and I was recently introduced to Tahitian Noni Juice and wanted to share my experience. This post is sponsored by New Age, but all opinions are my own. What is Tahitian Noni Juice? Noni (AKA morinda citrifolia) was a prized possession in ancient…
How to Find Joy While Quarantined
I’ve been meaning to write this post for a few weeks, and ironically enough today was a tough day so I figured it’s as good a time as any. Just to give a little update, we’ve been quarantined at home for almost two months. I’ve been homeschooling my five year-old while dealing with major sleep…
My Tips for Creating Engaging Content from Home
It’s officially been over three weeks since we’ve left our house. The first week I was feeling pretty unmotivated in every way and creating content was the last thing on my mind. I started trying to get my life together a little bit more during week two (aka putting on a little bit of makeup…
The Truth About Talc
This year a big goal of mine is to make sure our family is using cleaner products. When Truth About Talc reached out to me to help spread awareness of the dangers of talc, I was proud to partner with them! So first of all, you might be wondering what exactly talc is? It’s basically a mineral…
Leave a reply
About Me
Mother & Blogger
Latest Posts
30 Comments
Kristin Baxter
Such great lessons! Let me tell..they keep right on teaching you, even as they get older and older. My oldest is 17 and he still teaches daily. Funny how kids teach us (and inspire us) to our best selves.
admin
Aww that’s great to hear! They really do teach us so much and nothing is more inspiring than a child 🙂
quijuana
Isn’t it amazing how much we adults can learn from children? They are so innocent and joyous over the smallest things. I often wish I could go back to that age. The great thing we can live vicariously through them. Your son is the cutest I have seen in forever.
admin
It really is and it’s something I didn’t expect at all! Yess I completely agree! Seeing the world through their eyes is one of the best parts of being a parent. Omg thanks so much that is so sweet!
Melisa from Crushing Motherhood
Your photos are amazing and your 4 lessons are so simple, yet so meaningful! It would be easy to overlook the importance of these 4 lessons. I am grateful for your reminder, thank you!
admin
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so glad you found some value in these lessons!! 🙂
Stephanie Eddy
I love this post! My oldest just turned 4 too and she teaches me things all the time. I’m completely with you on the slow down part – I really try to be in the moment more and stop worrying so much about everything else!
Shanda Mack
This was beautifully written. We definitely have to slow down and enjoy all these once in a lifetime moments.
admin
Thanks so much! Yes I think we all need a reminder to slow down every now and then 🙂
Jenn
I love this so much. We can learn so much from them.
Calista
I love this post so much. I’ve learned so much just in the last 16 months of having a daughter. They really do teach us so much. Amazing post and pictures.
admin
Aww thank you so much!! They really do!! Thank you for reading!! 🙂
Kristal
Beautiful post! Love your pictures and I couldn’t agree more with the lessons you posted. My kids teach me so much about life, and how to live it better everyday. It’s amazing.
admin
Thank you so much! I completely agree! Children can be so inspiring and we really can learn so much from them!
Rhea Mendezona
Crazy how we always pick up important lessons from our little ones. My 3 year old surprises me everyday <3
admin
Yess it really is amazing! Aww I bet!
Stephanie
Such good lessons to learning I am constantly being surprised by and am always learning new lessons from my kids!
admin
Yess I completely agree! They really do have so much to teach us 🙂
Chelsae
It still shocked my that I can learn so much from such a little human. And I think the most valuable lessons that I have learned have been from my toddler as well.
Jane
Howdy! This blog post could not be written much
better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He constantly kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this article
to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a great read.
Thank you for sharing! I really like what you guys tend to be up too.
This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll.
I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet viewers, its really really good article on building up
new blog. http://cspan.co.uk
Gena
What a beautiful child you have! He is like a constant reminder to appreciate good things in love. I adore the way you teach your kid but also learn from him 😉
admin
Aww thank you so much you’re so sweet! I was definitely surprised at how much he teaches me on a daily basis!
Ruth
This is so sweet! Your son is adorable and I love the lessons you learned from him. Especially the one about staying happy instead of getting all disappointed if the plans change. So good!
admin
Aww thank you so much!! I’m so glad you liked them! Thanks for reading 🙂
Marina
You both look lovely and the pics are amazing x
admin
Aww thank you so much!
Mommy Peach
Awww, there really is so much we can learn from our kids. Happy Birthday to your kiddo.
admin
There really is! Thanks so much mama!
Holly
These pictures are gorgeous. I love that my little man helps to make me adventurous too!
admin
Thank you so much! Aww yes it’s one of my fav things about being a boy mom!