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Forget lifestyle gurus, it’s five year olds who really know how to really live. They have the whole world ahead of them, and they know it. (They also have a few embarrassing wet pants moments still ahead of them, but don’t we all?) I have the pleasure of working with this age group a few times a week, and here’s what I’ve learned from these mini mavens.
Play Doesn’t Have to Have a Purpose
Sometimes building a tower is just building a tower. It doesn’t have to be the best block tower ever, win you an award, or pay for itself. You can build something, create something, or destroy something for pure fun on occasion. “Because I felt like it” can still be a good reason for doing something (as long as you’re not pulling someone’s pigtails or the like.)
Running Is Fun, Especially if You Get to Chase Someone
Five year olds don’t have to be told to exercise. They’re like dogs in that sense: when they get too much energy built up, they will find a way to release it. Ever looked at a child when they’re careening madly around a giant room? It’s pure bliss. And if you can get someone to chase you, then it’s all the more fun. Remember the joy of running before someone told you that you were supposed to do it.
Other People Aren’t Competition, They’re Potential Playmates
Yeah, maybe the new guy at work is way better at database management than you. And maybe everyone likes him just a bit too much to not annoy you. But he doesn’t have to be competition. Instead of ranking yourself on an imaginary popularity scale, consider newcomers another friend to add to the roster. And maybe he has a trampoline!
If You Don’t Like the Game You’re Playing, Change the Rules
Just because the book says you’re supposed to do something one way, that doesn’t mean you have to obey. You could change the rules, create your own guidelines, or make up an entirely new game. You’re only stuck with the choices you’ve got if you’ve left your imagination back at the playground.
I’m sure these ideas aren’t new to you, but we can always use a reminder that once upon a time, life was fun. And someone along the line, it wasn’t life that stopped being full of possibilities, just the possibilities we choose to consider.
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Comments
02.13.09
One of my favorite things to do is teach Sunday School at my church. I teach the 3-5 year old class and their view of the world is amazing. Even something as simple as each kid gets to pick something different to do while we recite a memory verse (Stand on one foot! March in a circle! Sing every word!) changes things just enough to keep everyone happy. And since everyone gets to make one change, there is a sense of a excitement while waiting to find out what they are going to do next. I love that the change doesn't have to be anything big. Sometimes the box is more exciting than the toy that is in it.
02.13.09
This post brought a big smile to my face. (especially the "maybe he has a trampoline" part) I've worked with kids a lot as well and it's so wonderful to see their outlook on life. They forgive in less than a minute, if they don't like something they change it (mom gave you gushers again? trade it for oreos), their short attention span leads them to trying new things, they take advantage of every second of light so they can stay outside playing- what we can learn from them is endless.
thanks for the reminder!
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