I am a nanny one day a week for a 4 and 2 year old. It is amazing how much you can learn from these ages. Most often I look forward to the day of nannying as I get to release my INNER CHILD! I tell ya…it takes hanging out with a couple of cool kids to remind me of who I am. We go to the park, play board games, color, be imaginative, and EAT! Of course, meal and snack time are my favorite time of the day. As I observed the children eating the other day, I finally saw and experienced what it means when people say “children are the best at being in tune with their body.”
Let me explain…
The 4 year old typically doesn’t eat much at breakfast. She just knows, my body isn’t that hungry. Now, I am NOT suggesting you eat nothing for breakfast…but I love that she recognizes her bodies needs. However, about mid-morning she states “my stomach hurts!” She hasn’t quite get the concept of not letting ourselves get too hungry 
The 2 year old was SO fun to watch! He woke up really hungry one morning. I didn’t believe him when about 3 minutes after I had gave him a whole packet of instant oatmeal he exclaimed, “All done!” Yes, indeed, he had scraped the bowl clean! The three of us played a game for a bit and then the 4 year old was hungry. Once she had some cereal in front of her, the 2 year old wanted some too! He kept eating and eating….but when he was FULL, he stopped.
The kids ate, conversed, and laughed…but when they knew their tummies were full, they stopped. If they wanted more, they asked! Gosh…I wish it was that easy for all of us. I did realize it can be. Release that inner child…here’s how:
- Be silly! It feels good to just laugh and do crazy things that adults typically don’t do. Dance to your favorite song, color, go to the park! I find it releases some of the good-feeling endorphins!
- Set your fork down between bites.
- Converse with those around you.
- Take 5 minutes! Listen to your body…is the stomach rumbling? Are you satisfied? Its tough…but just try it!
We are all someone’s child! Release the carefree, curious child within.
