8 Traits You Should Learn From Toddlers

by Alan Stein 20. December 2011 02:48
1. Toddlers are Persistent: they never quit. Ever. When they want something… whether its food or a new toy… they do not stop until they get what they want. They are relentless! They apply the same persistence to learning a new skill (like walking, holding utensils, breaking my Blackberry, etc.). They spend hours and hours practicing until they master it.
2. Toddlers are Communicators: they speak their minds freely. Granted, it’s in the form of crying, grunting, biting, punching, laughing, and Gibberish... but they do communicate. They let you know where they stand at all times. Surprisingly, they are attentive listeners too. They don’t necessary listen to me, but when Mickey Mouse or the Wiggles are talking, trust me, they are all ears! 

3. Toddlers are Enthusiastic: they have a passion for everything they do! When they are happy, they bounce around and their faces light up the room. When they aren’t, they flail their limbs and scream like wild hyenas. But they put their heart and soul into every aspect of their lives. They don’t go through the motions.
4. Toddlers crave Structure: they are on a schedule. They go to sleep at the same time every night, get up at the same time every day, and eat (and nap) at routine times. They are consistent.
5. Toddlers are Uninhibited: they don’t care about looking cool. In fact, they don’t even know what cool is. They will (literally) crap their pants and just keep on going. They aren’t worried about what other people think; they do what makes them happy.
6. Toddlers are Creative: they think outside of the box. They will spend an hour playing with a wooden spoon or an empty paper towel roll. They make the most of what they have.


7. Toddlers are Honest: they hold nothing back when telling you what they think. They have no hidden agenda and they speak from the heart. They don’t say things to hurt your feelings; they say them because they believe it to be true. Their honesty is refreshing.


8. Toddlers teach Patience: they aren’t necessarily patient, but as their father I have to be! If you’ve ever waited 45 minutes for your toddler to put on their shoes by themselves or played Ring Around the Rosie 271 times in a row… you know what I mean.