13 life lessons my kids taught me in 2013

Though I’m not really one for the Gregorian calendar’s drunken marking of a new set of 365 days, I am one for lists.

(They are a relatively inexpensive way to help keep me sane.)

As far as this list goes: Whether they mean to or not, my kids have plenty of life lessons to offer me. If you’re out there listening, children, know that either of you can easily fall back on ‘teacher’ if the astronaut/fireman/princess/brown soldier thing doesn’t work out.

13 life lessons my kids taught me in 2013

1. I may not actually finish this list. And it’ll be ok if I don’t.
2. You can’t possibly tell someone too often that you love them.
3. Ask more questions. Keep on asking questions. Relentlessly. (Why?)
4. Sometimes a fake laugh is worth it… sometimes it leads to real laughter.
5. Give more compliments.
6. The right kind of soft touch at the right moment can change everything.
7. Cuddle in the morning. Make it the first thing you do.
8. Eye contact is important (or, in other words, put the phone down).
9. Trust your gut to know when it’s truly ok to say no.
10. It really is sometimes all about having a good cry.
11. I wield some pretty heavy power. Must use it responsibly.
12. Just do it – just chase your creativity. Stop overthinking.
13. Every breath is a gift, even while I’m staring at you creepily while you sleep.

As always, I’m looking forward to every single day to come. Especially the ones when I can ‘why?’ right back atchya.