5 mental health lessons we need to learn from kids
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Kids may be young but we can learn a lot from them, particularly when it comes to mental health. Here are the five most important lessons you’re not too old to learn.
Kids go to school to learn the knowledge and skills. But the truth is that when it comes to the joys of living and tending to your mental health, we may need to be the ones taking notes.
Despite being born with important skills and dispositions to support our mental health, we tend to forget, “grow” out of, or get discouraged from these over time (#adulting). But, it’s never too late to reclaim these traits to improve our health and happiness.
Not a laughing matter
On average, children laugh up to 300 times a day. Adults? Only 17 times. That’s a pretty big difference in our level of happiness. Of course, kids don’t face the same challenges or responsibilities as adults, but that doesn’t mean we can’t strive for more.
Before we’re “trained” out of it, kids walk through their lives leading with vulnerability, connection, and play. They have a natural ability to be fully in the present moment, finding the joy and wonder around them, no matter how small. These practices and traits are some of the pillars of good mental health, so it’s time for us to learn from the masters.
Mental health lessons for all ages
Here are five mental health lessons that adults can learn from kids.
1. Take time to play
Playing is a given in a kid’s life, but for adults it’s often seen as a luxury we have to earn or a waste of time in our overfilled schedules. That isn’t true at all, though! Having fun and cultivating joy is a wonderful benefit of play and creativity, but they are also excellent ways to express emotions and cope with stress.
Try it: Schedule a playdate – solo or with a friend. Play a game, engage in a craft, explore a hobby, whatever feels most playful to you.
💙 Learn more about The Power of Hobbies and why it’s important to Take Time to Play
2. Use your imagination (for good)
As adults our imaginations seem to be on overdrive, dreaming up worst case scenarios and anxiety projections. But for kids, the imagination is a huge source of joy and wonder. Transporting you to beautiful or exciting times and places, the imagination can help manage emotions and stress.
Try it: Close your eyes and build a best case scenario for a challenging situation you’re in. Imagine everything going well, feeling content or even joyful with the outcome. Let those images sink into your body and offer some fuel to keep going.
💙 Explore your Imagination and how you can Imagine Your Future
3. Stay present
While mindfulness can feel hard to adults, kids are often natural experts. Fully immersed in the moment they’re in, kids are less likely to worry about the future or ruminate on the past. This natural tendency towards presence allows them to take in the simple pleasures of the world around them, staying curious to any adventures or surprises in this moment.
Try it: Explore the world through the eyes of a kid. At some point in your day (maybe on a walk or drive you always do), give your full attention to what you come across, as if it’s the first time you are seeing or experiencing it. Imagine what magic a kid might see in this moment and let yourself soak up any joy or wonder.
💙 Take a Mindful Walk and Cultivate Curiosity for the present moment
4. Hang with friends
Between school, extracurriculars, birthday parties, and sleepovers, kids spend most of their time with friends and peers, building and exploring healthy social connections. Research has shown that these connections are key for our emotional wellbeing, making the time you spend with your buddies a necessity, not a luxury!
Try it: Prioritize time to nurture and explore new and existing relationships this week (bonus points if you make it playful!). If you don’t have time, make time. Remember, these connections are one of the foundations of good mental health!
💙 Take some time to explore Real Connection and how you can Nurture Relationships
5. Lean on your people
As adults, it can feel hard to lean on our support systems. But kids easily turn to their caregivers for love, support, guidance, and a sense of security and comfort. We can’t, and shouldn’t, do life alone. We are meant to lean on our people.
Try it: Reach out to a trusted friend or family member and share any struggles you're having. Practice receiving some love and support.
💙 Learn more On Vulnerability and why it is the key to your relationships
Images: Getty
