Have you ever had that moment with your children where they say something so simple, yet so profound that it takes your breath away? When they say something obvious and innocent that you wish more people in the world followed their advice? I know I’ve learned many lessons from my children. Their words have moved me and I’m in awe of their fresh, unfiltered and inspiring outlook on life. And, at times, their words also make me laugh.

I wanted to share some of my personal favorites with you. Consider this my “happy life manifesto”, from the lens of my children…

Alex (5 years old): “I’m happy to be me.”

Lesson: Happiness in life starts with you. Being happy with who you are and believing in who you are is the place we should all start.

 

Danica (4 years old): “I love God for giving me beautiful hair, that is so sweet of him.”

Lesson: Be grateful for the things you have.

 

Alex (4 years old): “Mommy, I make myself happy and that helps me make everyone else happy.”

Lesson: Happiness is reciprocal and contagious. Happiness also starts with you. If you are happy, you can make others happy.

 

Ski instructor tells me: “Are you Alex’s mom? I asked her how old she was and she said, ‘I’m really four-years-old, but my mommy told me to tell you I’m five.'”

Lesson: Never tell your kids to lie for you. They will always tell on you.

 

Danica (7 years old): “Mom, I want a Justin Bieber poster and a cute puppy book from the book fair.”
Mom: “You can only choose one thing.”
Danica: “Ok, I would like the cute puppy book.”

Lesson: Innocence only lasts a short time. Enjoy these moments and savor the times they choose the puppies.

 

Alex (5 years old): “Mommy, I care about people.”
Mom: “That’s awesome and so important. What made you think of that?”
Alex: “It was just open in my brain.”
Me: “That’s cool.”
Alex: “I just love the whole world mommy.”
Me: “Even better.”

Lesson: This world would be a much better place if we all had more open brains and loved each other.

 

Danica (5 years old): “Mommy, I don’t know how, but my brain, it just knows everything.”

Lesson: Trust your instincts, they serve a purpose. I will feel differently about this quote when she is a teenager.

 

Danica (4 years old, upon checking out her first book from the library):”Mommy, if you are wondering why I am so happy, it is because of this book.”

Lesson: Books feed the soul and they are a great source of happiness in life.

 

Alex (3 years old): “Daddy, Dinosaurs stink, so they are dead.”
Daddy: “Do you mean they’re extinct?”
Alex: “Yes, they stink.”

Lesson: Sometimes we must agree to disagree.

 

Daddy: “Alex, what are you going to bring to school for show and tell? The letter is Q.”
Alex (4 years old): “I don’t know.”
Daddy: “How about a queen?”
Danica (6 years old): “Alex, you should bring mommy! She is our queen!”

Lesson: Always treat your mother with respect.

 

Mommy (after Danica has been picking on her sister): “How many times do I have to tell you not to hurt your sister?”
Danica: “Um…a lot.”

Lesson: Rhetorical questions aren’t really effective.

 

Daddy: “Alex, who made you so cute?”
Alex (4 years old): “Mommy.” 

Lesson: Know where you came from and be grateful for it.

 

I’m sure you have these moments with your children, too. Please share them below!