Childhood—a time that feels both distant and close. Distant for us adults, after a long journey that now belongs to the past, yet close in the present, as we experience it through our children. It is a beautiful, pure, and emotional period, where every expectation becomes a lesson for both generations. But let’s focus on a specific aspect that begins right from what is often called the “age of innocence”—childhood. An age that teaches and dictates new life lessons more often than we realize.

In a world where parents are considered the only teachers of their children, we often forget a simple yet very important fact—our children have something to teach us too. Beyond their innocence and the naivety that often defines them, they possess a natural wisdom and a unique way of seeing the world, from which we can learn a great deal.

My son, at the age of three, taught me the importance of keeping one’s word. Having been raised at home until then (as we had chosen to keep him away from seasonal illnesses), the time was approaching to introduce him to a community environment, to kindergarten, to continue his growth. As parents, we decided to prepare him for this transition by reminding him daily of this new rule. His response was: “Okay, okay, I will go to kindergarten!”

At first, it seemed like a typical fleeting promise, as children often make when they are raised in the comfort of home, indulged by parental affection. But parents are not immune to this either—we sometimes struggle to keep our own promises, justifying ourselves with excuses. However, in our son’s case, things turned out differently. Not only did he keep his word, but he demonstrated a determination that taught us the value of authenticity. Furthermore, he showed us courage—an essential key to facing any challenge.

Children teach us that patience and persistent effort are the right virtues to achieve goals. They also remind us of the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and not giving up in the face of challenges. My son demonstrated this with his enthusiasm for attending kindergarten—from the very first day to the last of his three-year cycle. He continued his educational journey in the following stages with the same approach.

But what else do children teach us? An endless number of virtues. They teach us that every obstacle can be overcome with patience and perseverance and that every failure is simply an opportunity to learn and improve. As parents, we often fear mistakes and may feel insecure when things do not go as planned. But our children remind us that mistakes are just a step in the learning process and that every effort, regardless of the outcome, brings us closer to our goals.

This is a valuable lesson for all of us—to accept mistakes and see them as opportunities to learn and grow stronger. In our lives, filled with stress and commitments, children teach us the importance of being present, of enjoying even the smallest moments. Their happiness is not just about toys or playtime but a way of finding joy without conditions. And this joy also reflects love—the pure, selfless love of a child. Because love does not need reasons or conditions. It is a profound life lesson that can bring more harmony into our relationships.

As children challenge us daily with their raw emotions, we grow together emotionally, learning to navigate different life situations, which push us to be better, more loving, and more responsible.

The parent-child relationship is a continuous exchange. Just as we strive to guide them toward a better future, they help us become the best versions of ourselves. Therefore, let’s listen to them and learn from them, because every day is an opportunity to grow in spirit and wisdom.