Kid Talk

Hangin' out with some teenagers this weekend, I realized how inquisitive and entertaining younger people are. Change is something they embrace so easily. But, surpassing teenagers, no one does it better than a spunky little kid. I found this documentary of sorts that I jotted after a BBQ at my house last summer, and I came across it just in time to remind me that no matter how stressful life can be, according to the young ones, I'm cool because I'm a big Kid. Here are my thoughts from that day:

I forgot how awesome little kids can be. My parents entertained friends for lunch today, and there were a couple of little girls that my brother and I were left to entertain. Some of the things that came from their mouths could only be expressed by such characters. “M” is the spunky 11 year old, eldest of three sisters. “L” is the adorable wide-eyed youngest, at age 6. “H” is yours truly.

M: How old are you?

H: Guess?

M: I dunno. 20?

H: Nope. L, what do you think?

L: 16.

H: Haha, no. I’m 25.

M: Oh, so you do know what champagne tastes like! How does it taste, do you like it?

H: Um no, it’s no big deal.

L and I go to sit out in the backyard on the canopied swing.

L: Can you come out here like whenever you want?

H: What do you mean? Yeah it’s our backyard, we own it.

L: No I mean like does your mom say you can’t come out?

H: Um, I don’t have to ask my mom, I’m a big girl. But I guess when I was little I did.

L: OK. So did she let you come out all the time, or did she say no once in a while?

H: Yeah, she said no sometimes. Like if it was too cold or we had to go somewhere. But all moms do that.

L: Yeah. Can you also eat whatever you want?

H: I guess I can. But that doesn’t mean I eat junk food all the time. I try to eat healthy food.

L: Oh. But if you want candy or something you don’t have to ask your mom, right?

H: Right, I don’t.

As the guests were getting ready to depart….

L: I don’t want to go home yet. I wish we could have a sleepover!

H: Well yeah not today, but maybe another time.

L: Yeah on Friday!

H: Uh well ask your mom, she’ll…

L: Oh wait no I can’t, I have Veda class.

H: What?! Wow, so what have you learned in your class?

L: Oh, you know, we learn slokas and stuff. And I know two Telugu poems.

H: OK, let me hear.

She rattled them off at super speed, back to back. I can’t even do the same with any English poem. I probably couldn’t even say the Pledge of Allegiance that fast! Just another reminder that kids learn so much so quickly, and they are so very in the moment. Inspiringly fearless at times. And best of all, they don’t overanalyze crap. Just take it for what it is, once explained. Kudos to kids!