As adults, we often believe that with age comes wisdom. While that may be true in many cases, there’s something to be said about the innate social lessons small children can teach us. These tiny humans, with their unfiltered expressions and boundless curiosity, remind us of fundamental values that we often forget amidst the complexities of adult life.

Here are some of the most valuable social lessons we can learn from children:

1. Authenticity: Being True to Yourself

Small children are unapologetically themselves. They express their thoughts and feelings without hesitation. If they’re happy, they’ll show it with excitement. If they’re upset, they won’t mask their emotions. While social etiquette teaches us to temper our expressions, we often become overly cautious, losing touch with our authentic selves. Children remind us that being genuine fosters deeper connections and that it’s okay to be vulnerable.

2. Living in the Moment

Children are masters of mindfulness. When they play, laugh, or explore the world around them, they do so with full attention. They don’t worry about the past or the future—they’re immersed in the present. As adults, we often get caught up in the stresses of life, missing out on the beauty of the current moment. Taking a page from a child’s book can teach us to slow down and appreciate the here and now.

Children playing gleefully. Children are great socially.

3. Curiosity Over Judgment

Children approach the world with curiosity, not judgment. They ask questions—not to challenge, but to understand. They see people and things for what they are, not through a lens of preconceived notions. This open-minded approach is something many adults could benefit from. By setting aside judgment and approaching others with curiosity, we can foster understanding and build stronger, more compassionate relationships.

4. Forgiving Quickly

Have you ever noticed how quickly children forgive? A disagreement over a toy can turn into laughter in a matter of minutes. Children don’t hold grudges; they let go of hurt and move on. In contrast, adults often carry resentment for much longer, allowing it to fester. Children show us that forgiveness isn’t just a gift we give to others, but one we give to ourselves.

5. The Power of Play

For children, play isn’t just an activity—it’s a way of learning, growing, and connecting. Through play, they develop empathy, practice problem-solving, and learn how to work with others. For adults, the idea of play often takes a backseat to work and responsibilities. But incorporating play into our lives—whether through hobbies, creative outlets, or time spent with loved ones—can reignite our joy and strengthen social bonds.

6. Inclusive Friendships

Children are inclusive by nature. They don’t worry about differences in race, background, or socioeconomic status. When they see another child, their first instinct is to connect and play, not to judge. This openness often fades as we grow older, and societal pressures or biases begin to shape our interactions. Children remind us that true friendship transcends these superficial differences.

7. Asking for Help

Children have no qualms about asking for help when they need it. Whether it’s tying their shoes or understanding a new concept, they’re not afraid to say, “I don’t know how.” As adults, we often feel pressure to have all the answers and fear being seen as weak if we ask for assistance. Children show us that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a form of strength and humility.

8. Expressing Unconditional Love

Children’s love is pure and unconditional. They express affection without expecting anything in return, giving freely to those they care about. As we grow older, love often becomes more conditional, tied to expectations or past experiences. Children remind us that love is most powerful when it’s given freely, without strings attached.

9. Resilience

While children may experience frustration or sadness, they bounce back quickly. They fall, cry, and get right back up, ready to tackle the world again. As adults, setbacks and failures can weigh us down for much longer. Children show us that resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges, but about maintaining hope and enthusiasm even after a fall.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, complex, and fast-paced, there’s much to be learned from the simplicity and wisdom of small children. Their authenticity, curiosity, and ability to live in the moment are social skills we can all strive to embrace. By remembering the lessons of childhood, we may just find that the key to a more fulfilling and connected life lies in rekindling the qualities we knew so well when we were young.

So, the next time you spend time with a child, pay attention—because they might just be your greatest teacher.