Things My Children Are Teaching Me

Tonight I tried to go to the grocery store by myself.  I thought it would be faster and after explaining that I was only going to buy a few things and then come back I expected to get in the car and leave the house.  I was stopped by my 5 year old and my 3 year old asking politely if they could join me on my trip.  I tried again to explain that it would be faster if I went by myself.  My son, the 3 year old, explained to me that if I went without help it would actually take longer than if they went with me because I might forget something.  I agreed with his logic and took the two of them to the store.  It was an enjoyable trip and he was right, shopping with two helpers was much easier than shopping with four and more fun than shopping alone.  Although I think I ended up buying more food than I would have without them; it was hard to say no to the ripe avocados.  The trip got me thinking about all the things I have learned from my children.  Some things I am sure my children have tried to teach me, like how helpful they are, but a few I'm sure they have no idea they've taught me.  Here's what I came up with:

1.  Take time to listen, someone else might have a valid point you haven't considered.

2.  Change can be tons of fun and your plan was probably lame anyway.

3.  You have very little control over what happens to you and around you, but if you have a stuffed giraffe it's way easier to react happily.

4.  It's ok to laugh out loud even if it's only a little funny.

5.  When you get tired, fall asleep, it really doesn't matter where you are; someone who loves you will take care of you.

6.  It's ok to say "I love you" to people.

7.  If you are having an argument and you can get the other person to laugh, you win.

8.  Every white surface is just waiting to have color added.

9.  Help whenever you can, don't wait until you have the needed skills, just try, you might get points for effort.

10.  Sticks are cool.  They can be swords, umbrellas, paintbrushes, spoons, cars, trains, flowers, pencils, and fish just to name a few.