By: Asher Higgs, age 11 | Axton Higgs, age 10 | Arianna King, age 6 | Ayken King, age 3
We are parents. We know best, right? We spend our whole life preparing for these moments. We read the What to Expect When Expecting books, we went to parenting classes, we scheduled play dates, and attended all the things. We are fully capable and completely reliable when it comes to raising and taking care of the small humans in our lives. I mean we ARE the grown-ups, right? But, what if we are missing the mark? What if our constant search for how-to’s and what-now’s weren’t found in a book or a class. What if they were found right in our home, from the minds and hearts of our little ones? That is what inspired me for this Kids Takeover article. What better way to learn how I can parent my kids… then by asking them.
Asher, Age 11
What do you think grown-ups misunderstand about kids your age?
That adults aren’t always big-brained. And they aren’t always right. Sometimes they make assumptions about situations without fully understanding or knowing what happened. Grown-ups should take the time to listen to understand, before answering or assuming they know what happened or how to fix the problem.
What feels hardest about being your age right now?
Girl drama in class. It is really hard trying to navigate it. Sometimes I struggle being friends with everyone and other times I feel left out. I don’t always want to talk about it. Sometimes I do. It is hard too because I have school every day and spend so much time there.
When do you feel proud of yourself?
I feel proud of myself when I am nominated for awards or make good grades at school. I also get proud of myself when I win a crown in Fortnite.
What do you want more of from grown-ups? (trust, help, space, listening, or something else)
More siblings. HAHA.
What is one thing you wish grown-ups would listen to more?
When I get into a fight with my siblings, to hear me out. I feel like because I am the oldest I am always taking accountability for everything. Sometimes I don’t want to take the blame.
Axton, age 10
What do you wish grown-ups knew about kids your age?
School. I don’t like it. It is hard to sit still. I am there so many hours a day and have to stay sitting in a seat. It is so hard to focus and concentrate for so long.
What is something that looks easy to adults but isn’t?
Reading class. Reading in general. I don’t like to read. It’s hard for me to stay focused and I don’t enjoy doing it.
What helps you when you’re having a bad day?
Playing soccer. Because it’s fun. I love being with my teammates and playing something I love. It can always make a bad day better for me.
What makes you feel encouraged or proud?
I feel encouraged when my mom cheers for me at my games. She’s loud. But it means a lot to me that she is always supporting me. It makes me happy that I play hard enough for her to be proud of me.
What is something kids your age try really hard at?
Soccer. Football. Sports in general. I work really hard to be the best I can.
Ari, age 6
What makes you happy?
Playing with Ayken and Adley. I like to play games with my siblings.
What makes you sad or mad?
When my siblings are mean to me. I don’t like it when they push me or take toys from me.
What helps you when you feel upset?
Taking a deep breath.
What do you like grown-ups to do when you cry?
Just talk to me.
Ayken, age 3
What is your favorite thing about grown-ups?
When they make cookies with me and put me to bed.
When you are sad, what do you want grown-ups to do?
Buy me a new monster truck and take care of me.
Parenting is difficult. It is hard being a grown-up and tackling this world. Imagine NOT being one.
From pre-teen struggles of feeling left out, pressure of achieving at school, or being the oldest child, to a young man simply wanting to let off some steam kicking a ball, to a small girl taking a moment to breath, to a toddler just wanting a new monster truck… we can look to them for EXACTLY what it is they need.