You never know what to expect out of the mouths of babes. It could be a simple heartfelt “I love you” from your 18 month old cherub, or an unexpected quick witted back-talk from your elementary age Groucho Marx. Some children have a way of looking at the world with the wit and wisdom of an old soul. When you think about it, these little people really have a grounded finger on the pulse of life; love much, laugh loud and often, and eat lots of warm cookies with cold milk. I don’t know anyone who would disagree with that philosophy.

One of my personal favorites came from my youngest daughter who at the time was four years old. As we were driving in the car one rainy day, this happy-go-lucky urchin became uncharacteristically quiet. She then leaned forward from her car seat behind me and in the most contemplative tone asked “Mama, are the windshield wipers on the inside or the outside?”

In Japan there is a phrase “Shoshin,” which means “beginner’s mind.” Their philosophy states that our “original mind” includes everything within itself. It is always rich and sufficient within itself. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities and it is open to anything. It is yet to be jaded by the road blocks, nay-sayers and cynics it is sure to come across later in life. So when young ones speak their minds, we might want to take heed in what they have to say.

Chaperoning on school field trips is an excellent opportunity to experience the unadulterated minds of the young. I’ll never forget one trip to the Los Angeles Natural History Museum with a group of third graders. We came upon the human anatomy wing when one little girl turned to me and asked “Do you know where babies come from?” Oh, gosh. I knew the rules for bathroom breaks, fighting, swearing, getting lost and getting sick, but what did the Board of Education rule book say on how to answer an eight year olds question on the birds and bees? I didn’t have to worry, she piped right in with “I do and it’s really gross!”

I came across this survey done by a first grade school teacher in Virginia. She presented each child in her classroom with the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you.

1. Don't change horses…until they stop running.
2. Strike while the…bug is close.
3. Its always darkest before…Daylight Saving Time.
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5. You can lead a horse to water but…how?
6. Don't bite the hand that…looks dirty.
7. No news is…impossible.
8. A miss is as good as a…Mr.
9. You can't teach an old dog new…math.


10. If you lie down with dogs, you'll…stink in the morning.
11. Love all, trust…me.

15. Happy the bride who…gets all the presents.
16. A penny saved is…not much.
19. Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and…you have to blow your nose.
21. Children should be seen and not…spanked or grounded.
22. If at first you don't succeed…get new batteries.
23. You get out of something only what you…see in the picture on the box.

And the winner and last one,

25. Better late than…pregnant.

Quote of the Week: “Kids say the darndest things.” – Art Linkletter.

Jennifer Huard’s column appears each Thursday. She welcomes your emails at jhuard@abqjournal.com .

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