Today, on my trip to Brussels, I deeply missed my little girl, my princess Adria, aged 4 and a half. On the train, my thoughts were filled with her presence, and I realized how lucky I was to have her to guide and coach me through life. Yes, you read that right, our children are in fact incredible life coaches, and it’s time we recognized them as such.

On my return from Brussels, I decided to write this article to thank not only my daughter Adria, but also all the children aged 4 and a half, for mastering the art of mindful living and coaching us on a daily basis!

Daily life is often punctuated by the frantic rush of the modern world, where it’s easy to get carried away by worries, responsibilities and distractions. When we become parents, we enter this adventure thinking that our main role is to teach and guide our children. However, it’s time to shake this deeply held belief and ask: “Who’s educating whom?”. Perhaps it’s time to admit that our children, those 4 1/2-year-old toddlers, are actually our unexpected life coaches, teaching us crucial lessons about what it means to be human. We need to look through a child’s eyes to rediscover the art of living mindfully. Here’s how they do it:

1) Appreciation of small things: For a 4-year-old, simplicity is a source of joy. A simple flower, tree leaf, snail or colorful pebble becomes a treasure to be fully appreciated. Taking the time to kneel and observe the beauty of a daisy or contemplate the nuances of a stone can reconnect us to a long-forgotten sense of wonder. Children remind us that beauty lies in the details, and that gratitude for the little things can brighten our daily lives.

2) Spontaneity: Children are the kings of spontaneity. They don’t plan every moment of their day. They follow their curiosity and commit themselves fully to what they’re doing at any given moment. A drawing, a puzzle, a game of ball, or a ride on a scooter – all are experienced with total concentration in the present moment. When a child suddenly decides to stop and watch a ladybug or chase a soap bubble, they remind us that spontaneity can be the key to pure pleasure. They encourage us to let go and embrace the present moment, wherever it may take us.

3) Joy in the Present Moment: While adults often get lost in preoccupations with the past or worries about the future, 4-year-olds find joy in the simplest moments. They don’t postpone their happiness. Jumping in puddles in the rain or playing with imaginary friends can trigger bursts of laughter and genuine joy. Their laughter is contagious, reminding us that happiness is available here and now, right at our fingertips. Children invite us to live more consciously, to savor every moment and to find beauty in the ordinary.

4) Unfiltered Authenticity: Adults are often inclined to mask their emotions and follow social rules. By contrast, a 4 1/2-year-old expresses their raw emotions. They laugh out loud, cry their eyes out, and are authentic in their interactions. Their ability to be true to themselves and to others is an invaluable lesson in human connection. They remind us that vulnerability is strength, and that sharing our emotions with those around us can strengthen our bonds.

5) Natural Resilience: When children are faced with challenges, they quickly bounce back. Falls on their bikes, arguments with friends, failures in their first attempts at learning don’t discourage them. Their determination is inspiring, reminding us that resilience is a valuable skill for overcoming life’s setbacks. They teach us that failure is a necessary step on the road to success, and that perseverance is the key to achieving our goals.

6) Insatiable Curiosity: Children aged 4 and a half are born researchers. They ask incessant questions, eager to understand the world around them. Their incessant “Why?” is a constant reminder of the importance of curiosity. They encourage us to remain open to constant discovery in our daily lives. The simple observation of a child exploring a garden, asking questions about the stars or searching for answers in books is a lesson in the unquenchable thirst for knowledge. They remind us that curiosity is the driving force behind lifelong learning.

In conclusion, our children, even at the age of 4 and a half, are true life coaches. They teach us the art of mindfulness, appreciation, spontaneity, joy, authenticity, resilience and curiosity. By observing them, listening to them and following them, we can find an invaluable source of happiness and wisdom. Our children may teach us more than we teach them, and it’s time to recognize them as the valuable teachers they are.

So the next time you’re around a four-and-a-half-year-old, take a moment to observe and learn from their innate wisdom. You might be surprised at the valuable lessons you’ll receive and how they can transform your own life.

Thanks to ChatGPT / Dall-E for generating the illustrations for my article.