"My daughter saved me from myself" – Seeing life through the eyes of a child

Children are often thought to be naive, inexperienced and immature and will often get disregarded for their age. When thinking about it, however, there's something really special about looking at the world through the eyes of a child. 

Their pure hearts, naive minds and ability to candidly put things into perspective are some things we could all learn from.

Also see: Serena Williams admits she wonders if she is a good mother to daughter

Take this mom for example, who shared the story of how her daughter "saved her from herself." 

"If you like it, that's all that matters" 

A mom took to Reddit's subreddit Mommit to share a touching story about how her daughter helped her in a moment where she was quite in her head and overcome with anxiety.

While the mother may still have had a panic attack when she got home, as anxiety is a complex thing and different for everyone, the significant thing is that she showed up for her daughter when she needed to. She took her daughter's advice and it did both of them good. "God knew what I needed when he gave me her" really touches my heart. Children truly are a precious gift.

We may not always be the biggest fans of ourselves but our children are always there to remind us that we are vessels of love and we bring joy to the lives of others despite our own flaws and inner turmoil. They push us to become better people, even if we may not realise it.

"Believe in yourself, mommy."

• Also see: The simple reason Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson celebrates every moment with his girls

Things we can learn from children

Even though they are little, they are wiser than we think.

Here are some of the things that children embrace that we should too: 

1. Stop caring what people think and be who you are

If the mother in the story can stop caring about what people think, then so can you. We hold ourselves back because we are so afraid of being judged, but at the end of the day, who really cares? Who makes the rules? 

We even stop ourselves from having fun because we think that others are watching, and judging. And perhaps they are, but that's their problem, not yours. "It is none of your business what others think of you."

Children are their authentic selves, and when you are your true self, that's when life really starts handing you blessings.

2. Live in the moment

The reason children can be so naive is because they have nothing to worry about and can live freely in the moment. They do not attach themselves to expectations or punish themselves for their pasts, they simply allow themselves to live in the moment and seize the moment. We're so caught up on stress and anxiety that we miss the genuine beauty in life.

• Also see: Victoria Beckham won't let her daughter wear her Spice Girl outfits, ever!

3. Say what you mean 

It's funny how adults are thought to be more evolved beings yet we're the ones who are more afraid to speak up and communicate our feelings. Children say what they feel and know that by expressing themselves, they get closer to what they want. It could really all be that simple but sometimes as adults we complicate things for ourselves. 

4. Be expressive

Naturally some people are just more introverted than others, but generally speaking children are more expressive in everything they do. When they love something, they express that (and when they don't, they express it too).  Express when you love someone, show affection. Speak your truth. It makes your life so much easier.

5. Learn to let go

Very rarely do children dwell on things. They're sad or cranky one moment, but the next they're fine, happy and laughing. As adults, we hold onto things, we hold grudges, we fixate on the past and it gets us nowhere. Children are able to enjoy life and find happiness again because they know it's always there for them if they choose it.  

6. Be curious and explore 

Children are great explorers and have a curious nature, and from this they are able to grow and learn new things. They break out of their comfort zones and take the risk. It should be a lesson to adults to not be afraid to take a leap of faith and embrace their inner starry-eyed kid who always sees an opportunity in things.

Although being an adult is obviously more complicated and it may not be easy to implement any of the childlike philosophies into your life, it sure is worth a try.

There really is a little magic behind those precious little smiles. 

What have you learned from your children or think is a good thing everyone can learn from children? Let us know by emailing us at chatback@Parent24.com and we could publish your comments. Do let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.

Read more: 

• Leave little notes in your child's lunchbox, it will make their day
• Why are there still no baby-changing tables in men's toilets? This dad is not letting it slide
• Understanding rape culture and teaching your children about it

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