Have you ever noticed how very young kids dance, laugh, wrestle, tell stories, share jokes with no punchline but lots of giggles, and generally seem to have plenty of fun?
Here’s the secret to their magic: They aren’t self-conscious. They just are. They aren’t spending any time worrying about what anybody thinks.
Why? Most children are not yet conditioned to falsely believe that others’ reactions are personal affronts to their being. In fact, if we’re not enjoying the laughter and silliness right along with them, they’re wondering what’s wrong with us!
Young kids don’t believe in standards of a status quo. They are just in the moment. Even if something isn’t going right, they don’t perceive it as, “I or someone must be wrong.” Instead, it just is. They don’t take life personally.
While on a commercial shoot a few years ago, I got a refresher course in this lesson as I was cast as the grandmother of three kids, ages four, five and nine. It was reinvigorating to get immersed in total silliness and belly laughs.
Figure out a way to spend time with little kids at every phase of life. They’re great at keeping all the energy in the moment. If you don’t have any of those little guys and gals immediately available, call your local school or house of worship and offer your assistance to the kindergarten or first grade as a reading volunteer. Believe me, it’s a win-win for you and the children.
© Dian Griesel 2025
