The lessons children teach us

In our children’s childhood, we relive our own. We look at them and remember what we know about being children. Meanwhile, they observe the world for the first time, discovering things we believe we already know. By accompanying them on this journey, we realize there is so much we’ve stopped truly noticing. Their discoveries end up becoming ours as well.

When it ends, the time when our children were small feels short, and we wish we had more of it. We even miss things we thought we didn’t enjoy. During adolescence, the focus shifts to different matters. Of course, adolescence is also challenging and offers rewarding moments, but the differences are significant. It’s natural and healthy for teenagers to develop their independence during this stage, and they’re not always willing to join their parents on trips. Still, even though moments of shared discovery continue to bring joy, they are distinct from those experienced in early childhood.

In the early years, a world of learning takes place that shapes all future knowledge. Learning often feels like climbing a staircase—some lessons can’t be grasped without first understanding the ones that come before them. Childhood is where learning about the entire world begins.

Sometimes, adults claim that children don’t truly enjoy or benefit from trips. I completely disagree with that notion. I was fortunate to travel a lot with my parents, who passed on their curiosity to me. Perhaps because of this, I remember it well. I believe children experience trips differently, noticing details we often don’t consider important. Children focus on whatever captures their attention.

Although I can always see my children as babies in my mind’s eye, their childhood recently came to an end. My conscience is clear, I feel that I tried to make the most of it: we explored the world as much as we could, crossed borders and oceans. Close to home, I now recall the obviously educational little tours we shared, like visiting Lisbon’s Oceanarium, which amazes at every age with the vibrant life within the vast oceans—a place worth revisiting periodically. There were also visits to sites like Queluz Palace and countless other examples showcasing Portugal’s history, places where children can connect with everything that came before them, learning that we are all part of a continuum. I also think fondly of the many parks we spent time in, especially the inevitable Monsanto Forest Park, an infusion of nature into the city that, despite being enjoyed by so many, continues to welcome everyone.

Among all these memories, I’ll never forget the first time we went to Cabo da Roca, where, faced with the extraordinary landscape, I was captivated by my children’s wonder as they discovered the vastness of the world—a life lesson that should be learned as early as possible.