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How to Be More Like Your Kid

LAUGH. Find the humor in life and laugh out loud. Look at every situation and wonder if you'll look back and laugh at it, but don't wait. Laugh at it now. If you need help finding something funny, ask your kid.

PLAY. Kids love to play. They even learn by playing games, dressing in costumes, painting, drawing and participating in sports. When was the last time you played? Not just with your kid, I mean have fun as an adult doing silly things? Climb a tree, ride on a swing and skip down the street. Who cares what casual observers think? Like your mom said, "They're just jealous."

CRY. Just do it. It feels good and is good for you. If you don't get your way just let the tears start rolling. Aside from relieving your stress, it can help you get your way. You know this works, you've seen it in action.

RELAX. What's to worry about? Who cares if you have chores or homework to do? Just go outside, lie down and stare at the sky for awhile. Make animals out of the clouds. Watch the birds fly. Get some fresh air and breathe. The chores and (home)work aren't going anywhere. Plus someone will probably be reminding you (yelling at you) to get them done soon, anyway.

RUN. Or at least walk. Spin around in circles. Jump up and down when you're excited. Wave your arms when you want attention. In other words, get moving. Nothing worse than a lazy kid.

BE BRUTALLY HONEST. Okay, maybe not 'brutally' but honesty is the way to go. Kids don't try to cushion anything or gloss over the truth. It is what it is, so why not just say it? No one wants to be a "liar, liar pants on fire," especially not a kid.

ASK QUESTIONS. If you don't know something, PLEASE do not pretend you do. Kids don't have to impress anyone. Curiosity continually prompts them to ask 'WHY'? Why is the sky blue, why do dogs have fur, why is the sun hot?... They want to know, they want to learn and they want answers right now! Stay curious, it keeps you young.

BE SELECTIVE. Yes, this has been called "picky" but the word selective is my preference. Don't eat foods that you don't like, don't get involved in projects you will later regret and don't wear uncomfortable clothes. Learn how to say, "NO," a kid's favorite word.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS. When a kid meets another kid he sees similarities. The other kid is not different, a stranger or weird. He is a new friend, another playmate. There are no natural prejudices, judgments or pre-conceived ideas. It's easy to have a friend and be a friend. Just watch your kid if you've forgotten how to do this.

ROLE MODELS. In our quest to be good parents and good role models for our kids, we may forget that they are very good examples for us. Try to be more like your kid and your life will be happier and more peaceful. And remember, "Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is exhausting for children to have to provide explanations over and over again."* Please don't contribute to this epidemic!