We talk a great deal about what you can teach your child, but have you thought about what your child can teach you? Pay attention to the lessons that are given to parents day in and day out.

Some of the lessons are meant to correct our problems while others are meant to remind us of things we should have already learned.

Think about some of these:

Children are great scientists.

They experiment with new things and do it with enthusiasm. They are excited about learning. They try new things they don’t know much about, and they look around for new things to discover.

Children are playful.

They run, jump and are full of energy. They get excited about many things and show their excitement by their active responses. They know how to play and they’re not at all hesitant about showing their excitement. They remind us that we all need to play.

Children greet the world with wonder and awe.

They find the changes in their world exciting and something they embrace. They welcome new ideas and ways to live. They are open to new ways of trying things and positive ways to look at the changes around them. They model for their parents a positive view of the ways things are changing.

Children love learning rather than resist the changes learning new things brings.

They are enthusiastic to try new things and seldom get upset when the things do not work out. Change is exciting and welcome to them … what a great lesson for parents.

Children give you a second chance — and even a third.

You can mess up with your child and she will forgive you and start again. This kind of forgiveness is rare. This is one more lesson our children can teach us. We should all try to improve our forgiveness skills.

Children are great imitators.

Model good listening and your child will learn to listen too. Then turn around and learn for yourself about listening. Listen when your child speaks. Look at him so he can see you are listening. As a parent you need to learn your child’s lessons for you on the importance of listening.

Pay attention to the lessons that your child will be teaching today and every day. There are lessons being taught all around. The ones that come from your child will help you understand more about the things he is learning and the things you should be learning.

There is more than one teacher in every household. Take advantage of the lessons you can learn from your young one.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.