When it comes to interactions with children, adults often fall into the pattern of issuing commands and directives, seldom considering the wisdom that may lie within a child's perspective. As parents, we tend to guide our children and provide them with instructions, sometimes disregarding their own thoughts and opinions. However, it is crucial to recognize the significance of listening to a child's advice. As adults, we are encouraged to maintain a childlike spirit, and the words of Jesus in Matthew 21:16 states, "And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?" remind us of the perfection found in the praise of infants. This blog will explore why it is essential to pay attention to the advice and insights offered by children.
1. Unfiltered Perspectives
Children view the world through unadulterated lenses, unaffected by the biases, preconceived notions, and limiting beliefs that often shape adult thinking. Their innocence allows them to observe situations with fresh eyes and offer unbiased viewpoints. By actively listening to their advice, we gain access to these unfiltered perspectives, which can provide valuable insights and unconventional solutions to problems that may have eluded us.
2. Creativity and Imagination
Children possess an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Their minds are unburdened by the constraints of logic and convention, allowing them to explore possibilities without limitations. When we take the time to listen to their ideas, we open ourselves up to a world of imagination, where innovative solutions and "there's no box" (one of our core values) thinking can flourish. Sometimes, the simplest and most imaginative suggestions from a child can spark transformative ideas that revolutionize our thinking.
3. Genuine Honesty
Children are known for their candidness and honesty. They have not yet developed the social filters and pretenses that adults often employ. When a child offers advice or shares their perspective, they do so with genuine honesty, unafraid of hurting feelings or conforming to societal expectations. This unfiltered honesty can provide us with valuable feedback, helping us recognize blind spots, see situations from different angles, and make more informed decisions.
4. Trust and Empowerment
When we listen to a child's advice, we send a powerful message of trust and empowerment. By acknowledging their ideas and insights, we validate their worth and nurture their self-confidence. This act of genuine listening builds a strong foundation of trust and encourages children to express themselves openly and honestly in all aspects of life. It helps foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, and active participation in decision-making processes.
5. Learning from Simplicity
Children often possess a remarkable ability to distill complex ideas into simple, understandable concepts. Their advice and perspectives can help us see things in a different light, offering uncomplicated solutions to intricate problems. By taking a child's advice, we can gain a fresh perspective and reevaluate our own understanding of the world, leading to personal growth and expanded thinking.
In a world where the voices of children are often overshadowed by those of adults, it is crucial to recognize the importance of listening to their advice. As adults, we are encouraged to embrace the childlikeness within us, as Jesus mentioned in Matthew 21:16. When we actively listen to children, we tap into their unfiltered perspectives, boundless creativity, genuine honesty, and unique simplicity. By doing so, we foster trust, empower children, and benefit from their valuable insights. Let us remember that the words of children hold tremendous wisdom and potential, and by embracing their advice, we enhance our own understanding and enrich our lives.
So, the next time a child offers their thoughts or advice, let us pause, listen attentively, and be open to the profound wisdom that lies within their innocent hearts and minds.