Often, as adults and parents, we feel we have to be the ones to teach our children. We often feel the only lessons to be learned are from us, because we are older and have more experience.

I have learned, however, that children have a great deal to teach if only we take the time to pay attention. Not only from our own children, but from others as well.

Have you ever watched children playing? What did you notice? Without prejudices pressed upon them by adults, children are more likely to play contentedly with whomever is there. They don't choose their playmates with regard to color or ethnicity. They just want to play and have fun. Children can teach tolerance.

From a more personal perspective, my children have taught me many things.

The birth of my children taught me unconditional love. From the moment I found our I was pregnant I knew I loved them. In no way was I prepared for the overwhelming emotions I felt upon seeing them for the first time. At that instant, I knew there was nothing that could make me stop loving them, nothing that I wouldn't do for them. That very much remains true to this day.

As a child of 3, my son Kirt, taught me the importance of listening to a child, to hear what they had to say. It is a lesson I never forgot and practice to this day. it is also one that has helped me form an open and trusting relationship with both of my children. They know they can talk to me and I will listen without judgement.

At the age of 15 months, my daughter Sami, taught me complete trust. For my graduation from Nursing school, my Grandmother put a deck on my house. The outer edge is almost 6 feet off the ground. As I came hom from work one evening, I walked through the yard admiring the work of my Dad, uncle, and brother.

Just as I got to the edge of the deck, the front door opened and all I heard was, "Mommy hold me." Before I knew what was happening, and before anyone could stop her, Sami ran across the open deck, off the edge and was in my arms hugging me. Never once did she hesitate to wonder if I would catch her.

It is a trust that has grown over the years. Grown for her and myself. Although her "falls" are more emotionally painful than physically as dangerous as that first one could have been, she still trusts me to catch her. I have made many mistakes over the years, but I have always been there for her.

My children are now young adults, 20 and 17 respectively, and they are still teaching me. Not only are they once again showing trust, unconditional love, and the importance of listening, they are also teaching me that it is possible not to let abuse ruin your life. Even though they have both been victims of verbal emotional and physical abuse from their father, and witnessed all of it directed towards me from him, they are both in happy and stable relationships.

Children have a great deal to teach if we, as adults, are willing to take the time to listen and learn. They can not only teach majoy life changing lessons, but small one.

They teach us the joy of a smile, that a hug can brighten the darkest mood, and that a mother's kiss can cure almost anything. The teach us laughter, the importance of fun in life, and the joy in the little things.

The next time a child asks you to spend time with them, stop what you are doing and listen. Watch. Learn.

Learn more about this author, Jenifer Ramirez.
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