Child's Play

Kids learn everything from the adults in their lives, but most parents know the best moments are when we learn from them. Summer is a time when we get to play more than ever, so today we're thinking about how a child's perspective can shape a new point of view. Here are a few things we can learn from our kids’ creativity.

Positivity

We can’t all be as innocent as a child, but that shouldn’t stop us trying to emulate the positive attitude of a kid diving into a creative activity on the school holidays. Our children don’t look in the mirror and express negative feelings or frown at their reflections. They are champions at self-acceptance and self-appreciation and approach each day with curiosity. They don’t assume the worst in people or let negativity stop them from having fun. 

Take risks

 For our children, every day is a new adventure. While adults create barriers for themselves with an attitude of “I can’t paint”, “one day I’ll try” or “that’s not how it’s supposed to be done”, kids take risks, let their creativity fly and see what happens. When a child jumps into play, they learn and develop new skills. It’s a reminder not to be so hard on yourself — if something doesn’t work out you can learn from it and try again. 

Keep learning

As kids take risks and fall and get back up again, it teaches us a valuable lesson in perseverance. Our setbacks are an opportunity for more growth and a reminder that we never really stop learning. You can encourage a passion for learning through how you spend time as a family — read books, play games and try new activities and bond over a shared learning experience. 

Enjoy the moment

 When we’re kids, creativity is all about the activity or the experience itself. Somewhere along the way, we start to value the final product above all else. Children love creative play for the fun of it, the experimentation, self-expression, what they learn and the time they spend with you. As cliché as it sounds, children can teach us to enjoy the process and live in the moment. 

Notice the little things

All of these “lessons” point to looking at the world from a different, more positive point of view. Listen to things from a child’s perspective and appreciate what can be learned from the details in a story or picture that a kid notices, but you overlook. Find amazement in the parts of the world that adults take for granted. 

Get down on the playroom floor to see what you can learn, and while you’re down there, check that you can see the Alphapop print on your wall from your child’s viewpoint. That’s just practical interior design. 

Let us know the best thing you’ve learned from your child in the comments on Instagram and Facebook.