Why I love kids — and you should too!
By Violetta Chan
Now I’m no Diddy, but I have a confession. I genuinely adore little kids. This may come as a surprise to some, especially in a culture where teens are increasingly vocal about their disdain for younger children. However, I’m here to make the case that rather than dismissing them, we should try to connect with children more. Isn’t it worth considering how much they can enrich our lives?
Children are often labelled as “annoying and “insufferable”, which were both common terms secondary students used to describe younger kids. During my interviews, an RCHK student expressed her thoughts candidly, saying that “they just get in the way because they’re so loud and always ask dumb questions.” She also recounted a time when she was talking to a kid who kept asking “why?” after everything she said, leading to her growing frustration. Her experience perfectly illustrates the common sentiment among teens, and why they tend to dislike children.
Some might even argue that spending time with younger kids can be more of a burden than a benefit. After all, isn’t it easier to focus on our own interests and responsibilities without having to worry about appeasing a curious little goblin? Teens often have busy schedules filled with assessments and extracurricular activities — even just the thought of having to deal with a kid might seem overwhelming. However, this perspective completely overlooks the potential rewards of these interactions that can actually help teens manage their responsibilities more effectively.
In fact, interacting with children can be a form of stress relief, and a way to stimulate creativity. According to Kimberlee Hughes and her team of paediatric therapists, kids trigger the release of oxytocin, also known as the “happiness hormone.” Moreover, children approach the world with a type of awe and curiosity that can rub off on you. As you engage in their imaginative games, it also encourages you to think outside the box. So, if you feel like you’re about to crash out during assessment season, consider taking a break and hanging out with a child for a while.
When teens engage with younger children, they often find themselves navigating an emotional rollercoaster along with the child. From joy and excitement to frustration and patience, this process not only helps teens recognize and manage their own feelings more effectively, but also enhances their capacity to empathise. The Cigna Loneliness Index - answered by over 10,000 participants, shown below - reveals that a staggering 79% of Gen Z respondents felt lonely. If so many teens report feeling isolated, isn’t it time we sought connection in unexpected places? Spending time with children can significantly counteract those feelings of isolation.
Let’s not forget the physiological effects of active play! Engaging in activities like running, jumping, throwing and catching can promote better endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. It just so happens that many of the games kids love to play, such as tag, hide and seek and keepy-uppy, naturally involve these movements. Experts from the Highland Springs Specialty Clinic suggest that regular physical activity can increase lifespan by a remarkable 50%. Additionally, exercise leads to improved brain function, significantly decreasing your risk of getting dementia and Alzheimer’s. When we play with kids, we’re not just sweating it out; we’re also investing in our long term health.
If you’re still unsure on how to connect with kids, start small. Offer to babysit for someone, volunteer at a kindergarten or community centre, or simply spend more time with your siblings or cousins. There are even opportunities to engage with the primary kids right here at our school. By taking part in these moments, you’ll not only enrich your own life, but also create lasting memories for the children you interact with. So go ahead — give it a try! You might find that you love kids just as much as I do.