Everything I need to know I learned at home – life lessons from my childhood:
- Life isn’t fair and that’s okay. It also means that, the more you have, the more you should give.
- Eventually, doing the right thing just to do the right thing will pay off. Maybe not the way you thought it would, but it’s still the right thing to do.
- Kids are amazing. And worth all the sleep deprivation. And vanishing brain cells. And grey hair.
- Always assume that others have good intentions. Nobody intentionally does things to make others dislike them.
- Everybody makes mistakes. Because that’s how you learn.
- Music makes the world go round. And it’s a wonderful way to work through tough times.
- Live in the moment. So you don’t regret the moments you missed.
- Focus on family. They know you, love you, and will be there for you.
- Try to find a creative solution for a problem before complaining about it. Chances are, you’ll like your solution best.
- Be patient. Most problems aren’t resolved right away. And real solutions are worth waiting for.
- Love, faith, and hard work are the foundation of a life well lived.
What legacy have your parents passed on to you? I’m about Lily’s age in this picture – with the blonde curly hair.
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
I especially like the one about thinking of a creative solution before complaining. One thing I’ve appreciated from my childhood is that my parents taught (by words and example) how important it is when entering a group of people to look for the individuals who seem lonely or left-out and to focus on setting them at ease. Such a great gift to give to one’s kids!
That is an incredible to gift to give a child – thank you for sharing it here so I can make it a more mindful part of my parenting!
Love the picture. You were born into an amazing family. I guess my lesson from the childhood is that I am an important and valuable human being and the same lesson that it’s OK to make mistakes.
I love your childhood lessons – those are the basics that everyone needs to know.
I love this post! So neat to see pictures of you from your childhood.
Thanks, Jenny!
Such a lovely post and I’m really enjoying all these childhood photos you are sharing. Thanks for sharing some wonderful advice.
Thank you!
wonderful lessons… such a poignant post.
And this is why your blog is perfectly named Mama Smiles! Loved this list…and was lucky enough to have learned many of the same lessons from my family too. :)
Thank you, Megan!
What a great picture! I love your family!! I always felt so welcome in your parents’ home. :)
I know they were always thrilled to have you over, too! :)
A great list. Some of these I could completely relate to!
You look so much like your mom. Beautiful family!
There is nothing you missed, this list is perfectly complete.
Thank you, Ann!
Such lovely words of truth!
Thank you!
LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about this post!
Thank you, Christy!
What a glorious photo! Love the wisdom, too.
Thank you, Elisa!
‘There is ALWAYS a compromise to be found, ensuring the happiness of everybody’
Great post!
What great lessons! I love the one about making mistakes. It’s most definitely how you learn!
I know it’s how I learn best, even though sometimes the learning is tough!
Oh my I thought your mom was you! But than I counted the kids and thought waaaait a second. Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff. :)
That’s a great one, Isra!
What a wonderful post! Love the family pictures – 5 children, wow!
Thank you, Varya! My parents actually had five more children after that photo was taken!
Wow! AMAZING!
I love this! Such a sweet picture and a great list. My parents taught by example to be accepting of others and to assume the best of them.
Those are important lessons!
What a cute picture!
Thanks!
Love, love LOVE this. Such wise and wonderful advice (as usual). Thank you!
Thank you, PragmaticMom.
This post is simply fabulous. What a wonderful home you grew up in!
I am very grateful for my wonderful family!
Great post! I really like what you said about Focus on family. My parents taught us to love our siblings. We are best friends now and it is just wonderful.
It sounds like you have a wonderful family, too, Amanda!
Great picture MaryAnne. We were always told if a jobs worth doing then do it properly, as well as treat others as you want tho be treated, dream big if you reach for the stars but get the moon you’re doing great
That is lovely, Cerys!
Okay, that’s you and your siblings right? You look so much like your beautiful mother, what an awesome picture. I love what you said about assuming others have good intentions. It’s not good to be to leery of others. Be safe yes, but open as well. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Marie!
My mom is almost exactly my age in that photo :)
Oh, and yes – it’s the first half of the family.
Wonderful post! Mum always said, “If you want to do something, do it well or not at all.” I used to think she was talking about perfection but now I know she meant dignity and self-respect. And Dad always said that in everything we did or were, there was always someone better and someone worse.
Thank you, LiEr! And thank you, also, for sharing your parents’ wisdom. Excellent things to remember.
I love your cute smile!
Thanks, sweetie <3
“Don’t blame others for mistakes that happen. Just move on.”
That’s a great one.