The Value of Childlike Energy

Recently, I had an epiphany about the word childish. I realized that we associate childish behavior with immaturity, so we use phrases like “Don’t act like a child” or “Don’t be childish”. As innocent as it may seem, let’s unpack why associating childlike behavior with immaturity is harmful.

Children are the most disrespected and vulnerable population in our society. This is because we don’t often view them as full human beings who have thoughts, and emotions. We often assume they are not intelligent enough to understand their surroundings and communicate their feelings. As a result, we dismiss them because they have limited life experience so they are often not seen or heard.

Childish or childlike behavior is simply children existing and trying to find their place in the world. Our responsibility is to help them regulate their emotions instead of impatiently dismissing them. This is why associating childishness with immaturity is disrespectful to children. It undermines their intelligence and implies that children acting like children is something to look down on.

Unpacking this ideology is necessary because childlike energy is the most pure form of energy. Children are the most pure because they have yet to be conditioned and tainted by the world. Tapping into our inner child will allow us the freedom to dream beyond our conditioning as adults. Questioning how the world works, and why we think the way we do is something we should embrace. Childlike energy is also powerful for manifesting because it is not restricted by conditioning, instead it is expansive and limitless. Therefore, we should learn to see and listen to children because they are our greatest teachers.