I think most of the world’s problems can be solved by children. Their approach to most things is simple and honest and that combination just works. When my husband and I are discussing something we heard on the news, my children will often chime in with a very obvious, no-nonsense answer and most of the time I think to myself, Yes! That could really work!
These solutions are evident to them because they see the world in a neutral and objective way. Kids just simplify matters most of the time as their opinions aren’t clouded by ulterior motives or selfish intentions. They have this amazing ability to see people exactly as they are.
For who they are. And that's not as simple as it sounds.
They haven’t lived long enough to notice differences so they fixate on similarities. On why things can work. And I think we often underestimate how intuitive and honest and insightful they are. At how far their positivity and faith can actually carry them.
Adults? We've had a lot of disappointment and heartache and somewhere along the way, we sort of lost that sparkle. The ability to believe that people, for the most part, are innately good. We've become jaded and suspicious and even a bit biased in our views. We’re so concerned about being heard that in the process, we’ve forgotten how to listen.
But children are still in the midst of discovering. On executing the sharing and the listening and the learning. Most of the time, it’s the uncomplicated answers that really work, as there is no convoluted planning involved or major overhaul of ideas or delayed execution of strategies.
And as a parent, I find it incredibly exciting to see all of these amazing little personalities develop. These incredible little traits unfold. My role is to preserve that innocence and honesty and goodness, but it’s a hard road sometimes.
I get that.
It makes me sad and perhaps a bit scared to think that there will come a day when that innocence might be replaced with harsh opinions and societal stereotypes. I often wonder if there is a way I can prevent that from happening.
Does anyone know?
Because the truth is, someday my words might not mean quite as much as those of their peers. I hope they’re more valuable and uplifting and encouraging, but I know that for a short time, they may not hold the same significance. The same urgency even.
Maybe the key is promoting fairness over and over and over. Promoting the idea that we should accept people just as they are. Free of labels and typecasts. Distracting them from pigeonholing and judging and excluding.
It's so very important.
I guess what I’m saying is: kids should rule the world.
In all their innocence and simplicity and propensity to believe. Because when we get right down to it, that's exactly what this world is missing.
The kids found it a touch spicy but otherwise loved it. Note to self : add cayenne after feeding children.
