Spending time with our grandson has reminded me what life is like for babies. Not only is he fun and entertaining but babies can teach us some things about how to manage personal finance challenges.
photo credit: Steve took it
1. Never Give Up. Have you ever met a healthy kid that didn’t learn how to walk? Me neither. It’s not easy though. Babies fall down countless times as they learn how to coordinate the signals between their brain and legs and get stronger.
When striving for a successful business or a promotion you may fall down at times as well. The important thing is to get back up and try, try again. Henry Ford failed several times before making it with Ford Motor Company and more recently, Oprah Winfrey was told she was “unfit for television”.
2. Share Your Feelings. Babies aren’t good at hiding their feelings; heck they don’t even try. Yesterday the screaming during the Chargers game scared my grandson and he let us know by joining in crying! When he’s happy, he smiles and laughs.
Let the people you do business with know what you’re thinking. I’m pretty good at complaining when not receiving the service or product expected. At work, many clients express regret when providing feedback. I always thank them because how would we know to get better.
What I need to do more is compliment businesses when receiving exceptional service. After a great family cruise a few years ago on Holland America, I wrote the CEO a letter letting him know how much we appreciated our onboard experience.
3. Make Time for Play. Young children need play time for healthy development. Play promotes the following skills: social, thinking, language, small and large muscles. Don’t forget creative skills being honed by make-believe.
Adult play is also important for good health. Having hobbies, socializing with friends and taking vacations are all ways to relieve stress and do something besides work. You’re going to be a better spouse, parent, employee and friend if you have fun and aren’t stressed out.
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I’m sure we’ll learn more through grandparenting as time passes. Alex and us are both growing together. Have you learned other lessons from babies?
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“Question authority/Ask why.”
If Oprah hadn’t said, “Oh YEAH?” then she wouldn’t be as influential and wealthy as she is today.
She definitely has an amazing story and is starting a new chapter with her network.
This post is so true! Usually, being called a baby is a bad thing. However, if we all shared our emotions more and enjoyed the simple things in life, the world would be a better place!!!
Kris, just think about all the energy wasted because people won’t tell each other how they feel. I know a lot of drama would be gone at work and school.
I’d add: give lots of hugs! My kids are great huggers, sometimes the best response to the triumphs and tribulations of everyday life.
Great one! Those hugs sure feel good. My grandson likes to kiss now which is so sweet!
Very true! I would also add that their energy and enthusiasm is amazing. They follow their interests without thinking about the failures. Whenever I start a new thing, I think all the way that would fail (pessimist me 😉 ) If I can overcome that and just start without over thinking, I might be better…
Suba, that’s another great addition to the list. Being around kids is really inspiring. Too bad part of growing up sometimes is to restrain that enthusiasm.
Very true. Sometimes simple things like this can easily be ignored by adults but if you really take a closer look at these qualities of the babies, it is something that we can learn upon. I don’t have any kids yet but I feel really great every time I have to see my nieces and nephews.
Ken, I don’t think I appreciated it as much when I was the parent. I was probably too focused on getting through the day versus the wonderful things about kids.
Great post! It is so true, yet I have never looked at it that way.
Really it is amazing what we, as adults can learn from babies and children. It cna be quite a humbl;ing experience at times.
Aspiring Millionaire, getting to watch a baby develop has been so much fun and educational. Not being responsible for him has helped us really pay attention to these qualities.
To mention more, babies are the once who live life to the fullest and they innocence is what I love.
Credit Cards, that’s another great lesson! We should enjoy every day and not be living for someday in the future.
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