Life Lessons From the Playground

Over the past several weeks, I've been able to visit several playgrounds and play areas with my sons. I've been there to provide the standard parental supervision while throwing in the occasional "be careful". But while I've been watching, my sons have been teaching me some things. Some life lessons. Because what I've learned applies to most areas of life. Here are some life lessons my sons have been teaching me:

1. My sons don't notice and use standard assessment tools that adults often notice. They're just looking for other kids to play with; they don't notice height, weight, gender, skin color, age or how someone is dressed.

2. Parker helps the smaller kids. He'll play with the big kids if they'll let him. If not, he has fun anyway.

3. If only one other child is playing on the playground, Parker and Turner make sure to meet them. No one should have to play alone unless they want to.

4. My sons continue to develop new and interesting ways to think and use things creatively. Even things they've used repeatedly.

5. When they see something new, possibly a new piece of playground equipment like a new slide or a rock wall, they'll assess it and then give it a try. They've learned that change can be good. New things can be okay, sometimes better than the old thing.

Here's The Point: I'm guessing you can apply some of these life lessons in your world too.