If you’re interested in developing your problem solving skills, you may find the following observation useful.
It was my son’s 7th birthday party on Saturday and around 35 of his friends joined him for music, games and some delicious party food. One of the many blessings of being a parent, is that I get to spend a lot of time learning from children. Their open minds, incredible imagination and total commitment to having fun is inspirational.
Childish inspiration
At my son’s party, I noticed that the parents acted very differently when surrounded by children, than the way they behave when I meet them in the grown-up world. They (including me) were dancing, singing, joining in with the games and every face had a smile.
This got me thinking.
Are adults childish enough?
I wondered to myself, how the adults from the party would benefit, if they applied that same childish abandon to grown up things, such as problem solving. After all, it’s easier to find the answer to a challenge, when we start off believing that anything is possible. Equally, when we need to do creative work, it really helps to tap into our imagination, just as children do when they are playing.
As adults, we know that we are here to protect, help and guide children. I just think we are missing out on an enormous learning opportunity, if we forget that we can learn from our children too.
What do you think?
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Photo credit: N D Strupler.
Hi Jim. I learn from my kids too. I think the distinction is a simple one. It’s the difference between learned and intuitive behaviour. So many people in business and personal lives behave the way they think people expect them to behave. Instead of truthfully doing what makes them happy. In business I think that’s one of the reasons why authenticity has become such a cliche. People are bored with businesses that aren’t true to their vision. Or even worse, aren’t courageous enough to have one!
You’re right Richard. It takes courage to embrace your true self. Of course, those in business who do, are owning their niches
Thanks for the comment.
Hi Jim,
Learning from my daughter has been very valuable to my business.She has enriched my life in so many ways. She will often join me or help me with an idea.To her it is fun and I will get a different point of view.( good or bad)
The more fun we have the more we learn along the way.
I do enjoy learning from her.
Thank you!
Gavin
Sounds great, Gavin. Thanks for sharing.
Great post Jim and congrats on your son’s birthday on Saturday. I am so pleased to announce that I am childish enough. My wife often refers to my kids and me as the 3of you. Here is the kicker, I am 19 years older than my wife!
I love that, Wade! Thanks for sharing, sir.
Happy birthday to Little Connolly! I know I’m only soon-to-be-20, but me and my friends definitely embrace our childish side. Just last week, I had a date with a person who didn’t like “childish” things, such as cartoons, ridiculous pop music, graphic T-shirts, Phineas & Ferb sheets, etc.
My thought? Those things are awesome, and they make me happy. If your only entertainment can come from “adult” pleasures, then you’re limiting yourself sooo much to what the world has to offer.
Adults accept things as “norms.” Children question -everything-. Why not have a debt-free business? Why not stand on a corner and yell tweets at people? And that’s awesome.
Great article. Children have such a sense of purpose in everything they do because of their attitude to life. It is something we lose as we grow older but can be so useful and inspiring even as adults.
Love the post! I totally think that as a child you are inhibited – you laugh out loud, speak your mind and are just yourself. But, then over the years others/social ‘norms’ (?) suggest that you should check yourself before speaking/doing. As adults it is very easy to worry far, far to much about what others think…..making you question whether or not you should do this or that. I love it when I’m with one of my very young nieces & nephews – I block out all surround sound/people and I speak to them on their terms.
My 4 YO nephew definitely thinks he can solve ALL problems, he’s fab!
I remember that the most creative moments of my life were during my childhood days. I used to may toys with paper because my dad couldn’t afford to buy me toys and later when he was able to i found out that besides making toys I could actually invent strange characters my head and act like them in real life. Those were the years when I felt I could do anything I wanted to do with myself.
How much you become older there is always somewhat childish instinct on everyone and i have realized it many times. Its there mind that lets them to act as a bigger dominating their natural instinct.
That’s why in my training programs, I always set the context by telling the participants, “I’m going to treat children like adults and adults like children.”