When I grow up, I want to be a child

I love being around children. And it's not because I teach them wonderful Kindermusik songs and show them how to dance gleefully around the room, all the while helping their brain neurons begin to make those vitally important connections.

This weekend, as I approached a rather long check-out line, I noticed I was standing behind a mom with a little girl who seemed to be about three years old. She was in the shopping cart, curled up inside a new dog bed her mom was purchasing. She looked comfy and content.

Then she noticed me standing right behind her. With a great big smile and her best 3-year-old speak (and a little translation help from mom), she announced that her family had just got a brand new puppy. I found out the puppy's name was Roxy and that she was black and brown. I was also informed that the little girl's sister was on a Girl Scout camping trip and she would be surprised when she returned to the new puppy. And there was a lot more to our conversation that only another 3-year-old could translate! (It was a loooong check-out line.) I enjoyed every moment of our conversation.

Finally, it was their turn to check out and the little girl stopped her mom and asked a question. "Mommy," she said, "do you have a new friend?" The mom looked a little taken aback, but she glanced over at me and answered yes. Then the little girl asked, "Mommy, can your new friend come over to our house tomorrow and play with me and Roxy?"

Did I mention that I love being around children? I am always amazed at their curiosity, acceptance, purity, thoughtfulness, and their willingness to reach out in such sweet ways. When they are just allowed to be kids, they have no predisposed ideas or judgments or expectations.

That little girl reminded me that when I grow up, I want to be a child.

-by Cindy Bousman. Cindy works with and supports educators at Kindermusik International.