How Toddlers Teach Us to Be Better People

In How Adults Act Like Naughty Toddlers we talked about negative ways that we, as mothers and adults act like toddlers.  But our toddlers also show us how to rise above; how to be better mommas, better people.

 

 

How Toddlers Teach Us to Be Better People

Toddlers teach us to show joy and enthusiasm– Don’t you just love watching a toddler or child open a gift? It doesn’t matter what it is, they will generally always be excited by the gift. Or how excited they get when someone comes over, or you tell them where you are going? Seth’s favorite place to go, besides the grandma’s houses, is the library. I just have to mention the library and he lights up. When Daddy comes home, as soon as Seth hears the car he is at the door, ready with hugs, kisses and smiles that would cheer anyone up, not just his daddy. A lot of times we get so caught up in life that we forget to show joy in our faces and our actions.

Toddlers show love to everyone- Children are loving people. They don’t yet care how the world views people. Seth doesn’t care if my teeth aren’t brushed, I don’t have the newest fashion on, or how much money we have. Toddlers don’t care about skin color or social status. Children are more about relationships than status. We tend to look at the outward appearance when we need to be looking at the heart, just as our Heavenly Father does. Unconditional love is one of the best gifts we can give and toddlers give us great examples of that.

Toddlers give unexpected compliments and don’t expect anything in return- Some of my favorite compliments are the ones Seth has given me randomly, or ones that I overhear him giving to Daddy or Cameron. “You are my bestest buddy,” “You look pretty, Momma,” “You are my favorite friend.” These words brighten my day so much! I need to take the hint and start spreading the love. Make sure your compliments are true, try to come up with original compliments, go beyond”You look nice today.” Yes others like to hear that, but at least take the time to elaborate a little. How does someone look nice? What specific action did they do that impressed you?

My toddlers are always showing me areas that I need to improve in..here are a few ways that my children help me to be a better person... #motherhood #faith #parenting Click To Tweet

Toddlers teach us about forgiveness- Along with showing love to pretty much everyone, toddlers can also teach us about forgiveness. What it means to truly forgive and forget, like our Savior did for us. Have you had an opportunity to apologize to your child lately? I find it such a humbling experience as a parent when I find that I have wrongs that I need to admit to, and the opportunity arises to ask for forgiveness. Usually what happens is that I get all teary eyed, because I’m that way when I have to open up about personal issues, and my toddler sees my heart attitude and throws his little arms around my neck with an exuberant “I love you, Mom!” It truly makes the tears flow then. I have never ever had one of my boys come back to me and bring up the issue that made the apology necessary.

Toddlers teach us about faith- Faith like a child and faith like a mustard seed, both are things I need to work on. My toddlers have shown me what true faith is time and time again. Their prayer requests, while they may be silly at times, are voiced with the knowledge that God can and may do exactly what they are asking for. There is never doubt in the little voices as they raise their petitions, just a strong voice because they know that they are heard. Lord, make me like my children!

These are just a few of the ways that I have found my toddlers teaching me to be a better person. I know that there are many more that I can list if I sat down with more time, but I hope that this list gets you thinking about how your children improve your character, and also what areas you need to help them improve in themselves.