“Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they’re looking for ideas.” ~ Paula Poundstone
“When we approach children with the awareness that they are our teachers, we become more present ourselves.” ~ DailyOM
“Everyone needs a 14-year old,” my friend, Brian, said to me tonight at dinner. Kids and teenagers have their finger on the pulse of what’s cool, new, and will someday be widely accepted. We don’t give our little gurus enough credit. I’m convinced that a room full of teenagers has a whole lot more creative brainpower, and therefore potential to build something of value, than a room full of Fortune 500 executives.
Today at work we had our annual Bowl-a-thon to raise money for Junior Achievement, a nonprofit that helps professionals volunteer in public schools to teach financial literacy courses. We had a great time (even though it was made painfully clear that I’m just never going to be a good bowler), and I would have liked a small plug about the organization and their mission. Supporting education, and public education in particular, is crucial to our nation’s future. Without it, we might as well throw in the towel now.
This week I came across the quotes at the top of this page, and combined with my conversation with Brian and the bowl-a-thon, I was reminded how important it is to have kids in our lives. I’m not sure that I want to have children, but I’m so glad they’re a part of my life through my volunteer work and my family. We have so much to learn from them, and they need us to champion their rights. If kids aren’t a part of your life in any way, I highly encourage finding a way to spend time with them. Here are some ways that can help get you going:
1.) Volunteer. There are so many opportunities to teach a class, coach a sports team, or be a mentor. You can learn from them and they can learn from you. Check out TakePart Social Action Network, to find volunteer opportunities near you.
2.) It takes a village. Offer to spend time with the child of a family member or friend. Your friends and family can use the down time, and their kids will benefit from having you as a great adult role model in their lives.
3.) Check around the office. At work there may be a way to do some research about the youth demographic or work on a product or service whose primary users are kids. Being a part of the market research, or just having to put yourself into the mindset of a young consumer, can effect your entire view of the world.
4.) Read books meant for a young audience. When I’m in bookstores, I do a little spin through the young adult reader section and I always find a book I like. It’s become a huge market for book publishers (thank you, Harry Potter) so the content is very rich. If you can’t find a way to get real kids in your life, just reading the books they’re reading, watching the TV shows that intrigue them, or listening to music they like can give you enough of their perspective to start to expand your own horizons.
If you have kids in your life, I’d love to hear your stories about what these kids have taught you.
The image above is not my own. It can be found here.
Christa Avampato 
