5 Ways My Kids Have Taught Me to Enjoy Life

Becoming a mother is one of the most amazing journeys I have been on in my adult life. Seeing my three children grow has been a source of never-ending joy. The way they approach the world and see the world has been a beautiful reminder to me that there are so many ways to enjoy life, people and the world around me.

In my work as a child and family photographer, I get a chance to capture that joy and that enthusiasm every day. Working with children and living with children, every day is an adventure. And some days, it’s exhausting. But there are so many amazing things my kids have taught me. Today, I wanted to share some of the lessons I’ve learned from my kids. Here are five things my kids have taught me that make my life more enjoyable.

5 Life Lessons from My Kids

1. It’s not hard to make friends.

As a mother to three boys, at times it feels like they will never slow down. But one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how easily they can make friends. Whether we are at a park, a playground or a birthday party, it is so easy for them to run up to another child and invite them to play. If you are warm, inviting, and kind. It’s not hard to make friends. As an adult, it feels hard to make a new friend! But if you just start talking to someone in a kind and friendly way… it isn’t hard at all!

2. Give brutally honest compliments.

I once heard one of my children yell “you have the face of an old man and I love it!” at his 3year old brother. While that might not be the best thing to shout at another human, we can still learn to be more open with our praise. Don’t hold back if you love someone, or something, and tell them why. Is your mom amazing? Tell her. Is your dad great at reading? Tell him. Is your spouse a wonderful listener? Tell them!

3. Dance for fun, at least once every day, even if you’re horrible at it.

Kids have such an amazing ability to dance like no one is watching. Anywhere. At any time, they have no hesitation to jump up and dance. It gives them such joy that I can’t help but join in! Dance isn’t only fun but there are both physical and mental health benefits. Not only is it a cardiovascular activity, but it can also help boost your mood. Recent research shows that dancing can support psychological well-being and can even decrease symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Plus, it can be a social activity. Dancing with my kids, even to the most ridiculous of songs has brought all of us great joy. Not only because it’s fun, but because it’s something we can do together.

4. While you’re at it, sing every day, too.

Having children introduced me to hundreds upon hundreds of songs. I never truly realized how many song lyrics I could store in my brain until I had kids. The joy and delight with which we can sing together brings me such happiness. Singing with my boys certainly makes my life more enjoyable. But what’s interesting is that there are actually scientifically proven benefits to singing! Singing can release endorphins that can alleviate anxiety and stress. Plus, it can improve mental function because it delivers more oxygenated blood to the brain. The brain has such an excellent memory for song that the Alzheimer’s Society has started “Singing for the Brain” sessions to help people suffering from dementia. So, when I get the chance to, I will belt out a song. Sometimes I’ll even do it without the boys!

5. Ask crazy “what if” questions, just to enjoy coming up with the answers.

What would the world look like if the sky was purple? Where would I travel if money was no object? What kind of person would I be if I was born 100 years ago? I love the way that my children ask questions about the world. The inquisitive mind of a child has curiosity about everything in the world around them. Keeping that fresh and childlike wonder alive in my brain and cultivating curiosity just for fun has truly made my life more enjoyable.

As Walt Streightiff once said: “There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.”

Capturing Wonder in Kids Photo Sessions

The photos in this blog post are of my three boys. My oldest, Charlie, middle, Johnny, and youngest, Gus. Charlie is sharp, inquisitive, introverted, and very intellectual. He loves to read. Johnny is sweet, creative, deeply feeling, and loves to make things. Gus is silly, athletic, and energetic. He loves to be goofy and to roughhouse. Every day, they improve my life. And every day, I am reminded of the gifts they’ve given me. The things that I have learned by being a mother have enriched my world and made my life infinitely more enjoyable.

Never underestimate the wisdom of your kids.