Lessons from a Toddler

Yesterday I got to spend some one-on-one time with a toddler while her mommy got out of the house for a bit. These are 5 important life lessons I (re)learned:

1. Keep it simple. Sometimes, a plastic bucket is the best seat in the house. Don’t put style over practicality, especially if practical is equally or more comfortable.
2. Waste not, want not. If you drop a piece of Cap’n Crunch on the floor, just pick it up and eat it. There are starving children in this country who’d love that slightly dirt-bespeckled Crunch Berry. Just be thankful you have the cereal and the floor to drop it on.
3. Don’t take life too seriously. Sometimes, you just need to put on your “pretties,” twirl around, and laugh your head off for no other reason than it makes you feel good.
4. Do what works for you. Just because society says socks come in pairs and must be worn as such doesn’t mean you have to do it that way.  Do what works for you.  If having one sock on and one sock off makes you happy, just do it.
5. Stop and take some time to soak in the sunshine. This kid took several breaks from playing, eating Crunch Berries, and watching The Tigger Movie to run to the window, draw back the curtain, and just stand in the window, saying “sunshine!” It made her totally happy. My doctor’s been pushing this idea for years now. It’s all about the Vitamin D, people. It improves the mood!

This kid’s so smart.

Fun fact I learned: Tinker Bell is named Tinker Bell because her fairy job is “tinker;” she fixes and makes things. Good to know.