Insights from a 14-month-old

You are never to old to learn to walk…

As I watch my son and daughter-in-law prompt, cajole, and attempt to bribe my little 14-month-old grandchild to take those first steps by himself, I ask you, remember back when your child was first learning how to walk. Did you think that they would ever "get it?" Did you have a personal goal on when he would “do it?” I don't know about you, but I, too, tried everything in my power to influence and motivate.

Of course, all new parents ask themselves, maybe they didn’t have the ability to learn. Oh no, what would that mean? We also read everything on the subject, asked everyone that had kids about their own child’s development. Even though we know intellectually that comparing our baby to any other doesn't make any logical sense, we still did.

I remember this discussion like it was yesterday. They fell…a lot. And yet, they got up, brushed themselves off, and continued to try again and again and again. Now that is determination for a little tyke. Sometimes they start by practicing in their crib. Others are grabbers. They use whatever piece of furniture that is nearby and grab and pull themselves into a standing position. Sometimes our wishful thinking takes over when we see them standing and looking strong, then suddenly, they drop back to their comfort zone of scooting across the room. Agh…we may be frustrated and wracking our brains trying to figure out what we need to do to help, all while questioning our parenting skills. But…

Then one day, they just do it! They walk across the living room; they start chasing the dog and then run as if there is a marathon that they are determined to win. All their persistence and hard work paid off.

That's how a child approaches something new. It's wonderful; it's a lesson we need to follow because, unfortunately, we often lose a little of that wonder and excitement to learn as we get older.

When did we lose it? Middle School? High School? College? Our first job? Or was it, just one day, we find ourselves in a holding pattern of safety and comfort and don’t remember how we got there.

If so, it's not too late to learn from our grandchildren. One of the biggest takeaways I got from watching my grandson is that failure is not the opposite of success; it's part of success. It's the idea that building and growing isn't just about the right tools and strategies. Yes, those are important. But I would add that doing the wrong things is NOT a waste of your time. After all, by doing something wrong, we learn "right."

So, as I watch my grandbaby do all the wrong things, I know that that is setting him up for the victory of walking one day. One of the many victories he will have as he moves through the stages of his life. If he continues to do wrong, to get to right, he will always see the challenges along the way as an opportunity to learn. And to be willing to keep working at something and maybe even enjoying the process, too!

So, if you're ever feeling down or frustrated because something isn't quite working the way you want it to, remember that wonderful child's mind we all start with -- open to possibilities, excited to learn, and really getting into the process, long before the rewards come.

Let’s bring it back today. We would love to hear your stories too!