by Sherry Obenauer

Created on: April 19, 2007

Kids: Teachers of the Universe

Since the beginning of time, adults have been seen as the holders of infinite wisdom and children as too immature to fathom the ways of the universe. Only adults have won the Nobel Peace Prize or have developed theories that have formed the basis of our understanding. Only adults have been given the title of teacher, philosopher, scientist, inventor, prophet, or nation leader. Perhaps, children have more to offer than has been previously recognized.

Watching children interact with others or play alone can teach us plenty about relationships. Children love to play and are very good at negotiating with their peers and establishing fair rules of conduct that are relatively simple and straight forward. Conversely, we spend much less time "playing" due to working excessively, often have several conflicts with many different people on a regular basis, and develop extensive rules and regulations that dictate our conduct. Perhaps, we make things more complicated than need be and can learn how to simplify our lives and improve our relationships by watching our children do so.

Children are born accepting others and seem blind to skin color, gender, disability, status, attractiveness, and many other characteristics that we use to differentiate, classify, and judge people. Instead, children accept others without judgment and care for them unconditionally. They quickly forget arguments and are quick to forgive others. They are very honest with their feelings and openly make observations and ask questions that many of us may be embarrassed to answer. They seem uninhibited in expression and are compelled to try new things. Kids say things as they see them without internal editing. No senseless use of "mind games" or hidden agendas exist.

Children have an insatiable desire to learn unlike many of us who prefer to rely on a rigid mindset and are unwilling to challenge ourselves either mentally or physically. Fear incapacitates many of us who choose to remain the same rather than continue developing ourselves. Psychological research has demonstrated that creativity flourishes when we are young and drastically declines with age. Why? As we age, we are taught to "fit in" and obey the rules. Difference is gravely discouraged and originality is viewed as a form of misconduct and a challenge to authority. We're not allowed to express an opinion unless it supports the majority thought. Artists are frequently judged as being "eccentric" at best.

Children

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