As a parent, I love teaching my kids new things. Watching them soak up information like little sponges is a truly incredible experience. However, at the end of every day, I always feel like I’ve learned more from them than they have from me. That’s because kids have life all figured out, and there’s so much we can learn from them.

At some point in our lives, we were all children full of wonder, with a passion for learning and an appreciation of nature. We were fun and spontaneous with a great sense of humor. But as we grow older, the daily grind of adult life slowly diminishes our inner child. Many adults have lost their love of learning, feel frustrated instead of hopeful, and care so much about what others think that they’re scared to truly come alive and be themselves.

The best adults, however, are the ones who embrace their inner child. Here are 13 reasons why:

1. They are curious

Kids love to learn and are naturally inquisitive. They aren’t afraid to ask questions, and they welcome opportunities to learn about the world. Adults who embrace their inner child have a love for learning. They are continually striving to learn and seek opportunities to expand their knowledge. They are interested in understanding people and the world, knowing that they don’t have all the answers and asking questions to gain further insight.

2. They learn something new every day

Every day is a new adventure for a child. From morning until bedtime, there is exploring to do! Adults who embrace their inner child know that growth occurs when they try new things. They agree with the Neale Donald Walsch quote, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” These adults know that even when it’s scary to try new things, it’s necessary. To avoid becoming stagnant, they experiment with making big and small changes to their life. Even taking a different route to work, trying a new food, or learning how to do a new physical activity helps prevent them from feeling stuck.

3. They make small things enjoyable

Kids find ways to enjoy participating in tasks that adults would consider work. They find joy in running errands, helping to cook meals, and being part of family traditions. Adults who have a childlike mind also find ways to make small, day-to-day tasks enjoyable. They know that having a great attitude makes their to-do lists much more fun to accomplish. Rather than facing life’s responsibilities with dread, they are thankful for the ability to participate in daily routines.

4. They persevere

When a baby learns to walk, they fall over and over and over again. Yet, when they fall, they don’t say “Wow, clearly I’m not cut out for this.” They don’t get embarrassed by their “failure.” They don’t pout about not being “good enough” to walk. They don’t question their purpose; they KNOW they’re meant to walk. When they fall, they get up, focus their eyes ahead, and try again and again until they succeed at walking.

Adults who embrace their inner child know how to persevere. They are resilient and view obstacles as a natural part of life, not as devastating tragedies. They embrace a “How can I?” rather than an “I can’t” mentality. If they are struggling with something, they look at it from different angles and brainstorm other solutions.

5. They stay active

Kids run, climb, and jump every day. They are excited to be strong and take full advantage of being fit. Many adults become sedentary during their working years, forgetting the amazing things a healthy body can do. Adults who embrace their inner child strive to be physically active. They know the world is their playground and participate in a variety of physical activities. They appreciate when their bodies are healthy and capable.

6. They are more optimistic

Many kids are naturally optimistic. They believe that good things will happen. While some adults become jaded and pessimistic, adults with childlike optimism have the conviction that things will work out, and they have a positive outlook on life.

7. They see the beauty in nature

Children are awed by the wonders of the world. They notice the breathtaking beauty of sunrises and sunsets, see the beauty of the leaves on the trees, the drops of dew in the morning, and the colors of the rainbow. They cherish bugs and butterflies. Rather than viewing winter storms as inconvenient and frustrating, children see the details in the snowflakes and cherish the opportunities to play outside and build snow forts. Adults who embrace their child never lose their sense of wonder. They are continually awed by the beauty of nature.

8. They are adaptable

The majority of kids deal pretty well with interruptions, schedule changes, and disappointments. As adults, however, we can become set in our ways. Living lives of inflexibility and trying to control all variables leads to feeling exasperated. Adults who embrace their inner child are flexible. They know that unexpected events will occur and do not get overwhelmed when they do.

9. They don’t care about what other people think about them

Children don’t have any interest in keeping up with the Joneses. They aren’t materialistic. If they are fed, comfortable, and feel safe and loved, they tend to be pretty content. Somewhere along the way, many adults become self-conscious and insecure. Adults who embrace their inner child continue to have a childlike confidence. They focus their lives on what’s important to them and are able to not let their critics bother them.

10. They dream big

Kids have big dreams and they don’t think their dreams are unrealistic or weird. At some point, adults feel the pressure of societal norms –- to live a certain way, in a certain home, work a certain schedule, and do everything to fit in with others. Too afraid to fail or succeed, they do all they can to avoid standing out from the crowd. You will be a happier adult if you give yourself the freedom to dream big like a child. Adulthood is much more satisfying when you let your imagination run wild and imagine a life of possibilities, not of restrictions.

11. They are kind to others

Little kids may notice when others are different from them, but they don’t inherently see everything as either “my way” or “the wrong way.” They don’t hate others due to differences in race, ethnicity, or religion. They don’t judge people for past mistakes. They care only whether or not people are kind. Adults who embrace their inner child know there’s a lot of “gray” in the world. They don’t see everything as “black and white.” They realize that just because someone sees the world differently, doesn’t mean it’s the wrong way to think. They are able to respectfully disagree and avoid making harsh, fear-based judgments. Even when they don’t see eye to eye with others, they treat them with kindness.

12. They aren’t rushed

Kids don’t feel stressed about enormous to-do lists. They have a sense of peace and are able to enjoy the present. Kids focus their attention on who they’re with and the current day’s activities, their minds don’t wander to what they “should” be doing. They truly know how to “live in the now” and make the most of every day. Adults who are children at heart master the ability to enjoy the present, even while working toward goals. Although they are ambitious, they have peace about today, and they are able to relax and enjoy being fully engaged and present in the moment.

13. They have more fun

Kids tell random, hilarious jokes. They belly laugh every day. They get the giggles over ridiculous stuff. They really know how to let loose. People with childlike personalities know how to have fun. They enjoy a good laugh, and have a great sense of humor.

Learn to embrace your inner child and you will be a much more satisfied adult. Living a life full of wonder, appreciation for the small things, humor, kindness, resilience, and big dreams is exactly what your inner child would want you to do.