Your child, your teacher

As parents we think that we've been put on this earth to teach our children how to live. However, we could learn a lot from them in return. Read on to see what your child could teach you - it could change your life!

• Appreciate the little things
• Fitness is fun
• Laughter is the best medicine
• Learn from your mistakes
• Be open-minded
• Be imaginative
• Have fun with your friends
• To forgive is divine

Appreciate the little things

How many times have you become frustrated at the time it's taken to walk 20 steps because your toddler keeps stopping to look at every single stone, wrapper or feather that has crossed their path? Admittedly if you have to be somewhere in a rush it can be annoying but if there are no time constraints, then why not take time to take wonder in the little things in life? When you think about it, a pretty flower growing out of a crack in a dirty pavement is pretty amazing. Slow down your pace and take time to appreciate the world around you - you may be startled at what you've missed all this time.

Fitness is fun

Exercise is just for getting fit, right? Wrong! Perhaps one of the reasons why adults hate getting off their backsides is because it is normally to lose a few unwanted pounds by walking endlessly on a treadmill in an anonymous gym. Why not put on your trainers and head to the park to kick a football around? Or play chase in the garden, running around in a bizarre manner and pretending to be a monster? Or put on some lively dance music and letting all your inhibitions go as you boogie around the living room? You might even ask your child if they want to join in...

Laughter is the best medicine

Many job adverts state that a GSOH (good sense of humour) is essential, and parenting is no exception. Children are a perfect example of how a well-timed laugh can diffuse tension and bring happiness into an otherwise gloomy day. Pre-school children laugh 300 times a day on average, compared to 15 times a day for adults, so when and why did we stop giggling so much? Obviously we have more things to think and worry about but we should also take time to relax and laugh. Not only does it make us feel happier (even if you 'fake' it) but it relieves stress, raises your heartbeat and releases endorphins. And that's nothing to laugh about!

Learn from your mistakes

It's a well-known expression but how often do you view the mistakes you make as a chance to move forward, not backwards? When children do something silly we try to guide them in a different direction (hopefully they follow us!). The point is, young children rarely come down hard on themselves when they make a mistake whereas we tend to beat ourselves up over slip-ups endlessly. Rather than think about the negatives, do as a child does and move on quickly, seeing it as an opportunity for learning rather than one for browbeating.

Be open-minded

Unlike us jaded adults, children are remarkably open-minded to everything around them. Free from prejudices and set-in-stone ideas, they are nearly always keen to try new experiences and step out of their comfort zone. Why not follow their example and have a go at something new? You might discover a hobby you really enjoy or make a valuable friend.

Be imaginative

It's pretty amazing what children can do with a few Lego blocks, a sheet of paper and a loo roll holder, yet you might surprise yourself if you just let your imagination run wild. By giving free rein to your more creative side, you could not only discover some new dreams but actually end up realising them.

Have fun with your friends

Children love spending time with their friends and think there's nothing better than an afternoon spent playing together and having fun. While playing with dollies and dressing-up in Cinderella gowns might not be your idea of a perfect friendship time, why not take a cue from your child and arrange to spend a morning, afternoon or evening with your best mate? Fantastic friendships are one of the keys to happiness so get on the phone and start calling!

To forgive is divine

While children may smile and laugh more than adults, it's a pretty safe bet that they fight a lot more than we do too. However, how long do you see a young child hold a grudge? After a few minutes and a few tears, the transgression is swiftly forgotten and life moves on. It's much better for both your emotional and physical health to let go of grievances so next time your child falls out with their best friend, watch how they move on from the issue and take a few notes for yourself.

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