The Daily Dad

They’re Doing What They Do

Jan 12, 2024

02:11

Snipd AI

Exploring the concept of accepting and understanding the natural behaviors of children, comparing it to squirrels stealing birdseed and highlighting the importance of recognizing these behaviors as a normal part of growing up.

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Quick takeaways

Kids have their own natural tendencies, and it's unfair to expect something different from them.

Being present and fully engaged in the parenting journey is a valuable part of our own growth as parents.

Deep dives

Accepting Kids' Nature

Kids will be kids, and it's important to accept and understand that. Just like squirrels doing what their nature demands by stealing bird seed, kids have their own natural tendencies. It is unfair to get frustrated or expect something different from them. This behavior is not a reflection of their character or an act of aggression. It's normal and expected, and something we should endure and appreciate as part of parenting.

Embracing the Natural Behaviors of Children

2min

The late Paul Woodruff told a wonderful story in his episode on the Daily Stoic podcast. Before he died, he loved birdwatching and had a bird feeder in his backyard. But the squirrels kept stealing the birdseed he was putting out. This was frustrating and annoying and he found himself growing angry.

But then he remembered a passage from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations about how we should accept when things are doing what their nature demands. The squirrels were not trying to give Paul a hard time, they did not mean any harm. The squirrels were simply doing what they do. They were doing what their nature demanded.

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