1. Speak Your Truth

Children are refreshingly candid. They lack the filters that often govern adult conversations, expressing their thoughts without hesitation. While I wouldn’t recommend being brutally honest in every situation—especially at work—there’s a profound lesson in their unfiltered communication.

As children mature, they often learn to modify their truths to influence others' feelings, but many kindergarteners remain delightfully straightforward. They might share their unvarnished opinion about your new haircut or candidly express dislike for an activity. This raw honesty can save adults from the turmoil of unspoken thoughts, leading to healthier interactions.

The key is to balance this honesty with the wisdom that comes from experience. Express your thoughts respectfully and kindly to foster genuine relationships and maintain peace of mind.

2. Embrace Your Playful Side

Spending time around young kids often reveals their love for silliness—be it galloping through hallways or indulging in endless giggles over fart jokes. Adults, however, often lose touch with this joyful side as life’s responsibilities take precedence.

Now is the time to reclaim that playfulness! Lighten up meetings with a joke or dance when your favorite tune plays. While it’s important to assess the appropriateness of the moment, bringing humor and light-heartedness into your life can uplift both you and those around you.

3. Cultivate Your Creativity

Children are natural creators. Whether they are painting, building with blocks, or inventing games, their imaginations run wild. This creative freedom contributes significantly to their carefree spirits.

As adults, it’s essential to maintain a creative outlet to relieve stress and recharge. You don’t need to be a professional artist; simply engaging in activities you enjoy—be it drawing, writing, or singing—can be immensely beneficial.

Allow yourself to create without the weight of judgment. Treat these moments as personal joy rather than a performance for others.

4. Savor Life’s Simple Pleasures

Children experience the world with unfiltered wonder, deriving joy from what adults often overlook. Their excitement for the ordinary reminds us to appreciate life’s small wonders.

I recall a moment when a child paused, captivated by a bulletin board that I had long ignored. This experience reminded me of the choice we have to either notice the beauty around us or to rush through life.

Being present allows you to rediscover the magic in everyday life. Make a conscious effort to observe your surroundings and appreciate the details that often go unnoticed.

5. Learn from Every Encounter

Children approach the world as blank slates, absorbing lessons from every interaction. As we grow, we may fall into the trap of believing we’ve learned enough, especially when life seems stable.

However, adopting a mindset of curiosity—seeking lessons in every experience and from everyone we meet—can enrich our lives. Each interaction is a chance to learn something new, whether about ourselves or the world around us.

This approach requires mindfulness and reflection. By being present and contemplating our experiences, we can gain deeper insights and continue to grow throughout our lives.