How can you be a better grownups that kids look up to?
Us grownups take growing up for granted. We look forward to becoming adults but don’t really know what it takes or how to be a better examples to the kids out there. This book, written by an adult who reflected on this very question when raising up his kid. In his experience to ruminate on this question, he was able to talk to many children about what they think about being an adult. The three words the children most used to describe us adults are ‘big, busy and boring’. Is that how they see us? How do we actually become a better adult in their eyes?
- Be less childish but more childlike. See things with earnest love and deep joy. There are wonders out there and don’t like jadedness take that excitement away
- Be present. It’s easy to reach out to that phone or think about tomorrow’s meeting (I’m so guilty of that). Listen to them. People are longed to be heard and feel like you really listen
- Relationships are the most important thing. Engaged, loving grownups help in every way
- Make it ok for people to display emotions. Children are learning to manage the feelings inside. We need to make it ok for them to trust their inner self.
- See hope in one another. Be a joy rebel. Instill positivity into our interact
- Remember and understand our past and how it leads us to our present. This introspection helps us to be more empathetic with ourselves as we observe our flaws and makeups and interact better with those around us
- Be what you needed when you’re younger. We all grew up likely with some regrets.
- Live with great purpose and operate out of gratitude. People will feel it and baste in that positive energy you leave behind
- Keep trying, keep learning and encourage children to do the same.
The book comes with childlike drawings to lighten the reading and a graphic novel story that illustrate the experience of growing up. This is a nice wakeup call of what we should not lose as we age in this world. When I see my son interacting with the world, it never fail to amaze me how curious, present and happy he is to interact with even the most mundane thing. We adults should all remember what that feels like as we busy ourselves with our grownup world:)