Childlike-ish

Yesterday a woman, carrying a baby, came in to the Coffee Exchange. I noticed the baby looking at me so I waved and sprouted a goofy face. A coworker saw me do this and said “that was completely out of character for you.” Luckily I was spared the sermon on how we can learn so much from children, but this dead horse is not new to me.

Throughout my life I’ve heard people say, “we can learn so much from children.” Childlike (not to be confused with childish) qualities are praised as humble, loving, playful, non-judgmental, and truthful (except for stealing cookies). But I’m not sure being childlike is such a good thing.

You see, I was a child once. As a child I did childlike and childish things, but I’ve learned from them. I’ve learned that unrestrained love can get you hurt. Humility can be perceived as being a doormat. Playfulness doesn’t pay the bills. Judgments are often right. And telling the truth is important even with the little things like stealing cookies.

Also, recognizing good qualities that you want to include into your own life is very adult. Children are short sighted, fickle, easily persuaded, and dependent.

I like children. A very high percentage of parents love their children in some indescribable way. My friends have given up many of life’s perks to have children in their lives, and that speaks volumes of the quality of life their children have given them. Again, I like children, I look forward to spending time with my nephews and nieces. But I’m not going to follow their example –unless that means I get nap-time.