We all enter this world fresh-faced and unbothered, not caring about others’ opinions. Kids haven’t yet been conditioned by societal norms to suppress their true feelings or behaviors. They simply act on instinct, and honestly, I admire how my children—ages 3 and 4—navigate life without a care. Here are five ways they show us how to embrace a carefree attitude:
1. Fashion Freedom
My daughter is a pattern-mixing extraordinaire. She pairs flowers with stripes and polka dots with plaid, completely ignoring any fashion rules. Meanwhile, my son has a penchant for wearing his shorts backward and deliberately putting his shoes on the wrong feet. I may not follow their fashion sense exactly, but I’m learning to embrace my own style without worrying about others’ judgments. If I have a little muffin top in my favorite jeans, who cares? If my shirt shows my mommy belly? So what! My kids wear what makes them happy, and I’m going to join them.
2. Creative Expression
My kids often transform our living room into their own stage, singing and dancing to express what they want. They’ll croon about their dinner preferences or perform a sleepytime jig. Why should adults hold back? If your favorite song starts playing in the grocery store, dance like no one’s watching. If you feel the urge to belt out a tune in your car at a red light, go for it! Sometimes, we just need to let loose.
3. Trusting Their Instincts
Children are naturally intuitive. If they feel uneasy around someone, there’s usually a reason behind it. As adults, we often suppress those instincts, thinking we should give everyone a fair shot. But kids know better. If you’re in a situation that feels off, it’s okay to step back. Trust your gut—it’s there for a reason.
4. Authenticity Over Approval
One of the best things about being a kid is the unapologetic authenticity. Kids simply don’t care about what others think of them. They’ll share their thoughts about bodily functions at the dinner table or wear mismatched outfits without a second thought. If someone doesn’t like them, they brush it off, knowing their self-worth. We should all strive to embody that same confidence and not let others’ opinions dictate our happiness.
5. Brutal Honesty
While playing at a friend’s house, one of the kids ran out to tell me my son hit him. When I asked why, he boldly stated, “I don’t like him!” As much as I don’t condone hitting, I admire his honesty. Sometimes, we simply don’t vibe with someone or something. It’s perfectly okay to voice these feelings. We need to express ourselves to be understood and to create change. Kids are just honest—there’s no fault in being genuine.
Kids are like little teachers, reminding us to live authentically and without fear. We should cultivate that same “I don’t care” mindset in ourselves and our little ones. For more insights on parenting and self-discovery, check out our other blog posts about home insemination and the journey to becoming a parent.
Summary
Kids exemplify a carefree attitude that we often lose as adults. They dress how they please, express themselves freely, trust their instincts, remain unapologetically authentic, and speak their minds. By embracing these qualities, we can cultivate a sense of freedom and happiness in our own lives.