It was actually a hashtag started by a kids learning and entertainment app, to begin with, and the hashtag #UnmuteTheKids was soon trending. People were sharing stories about amusing things kids say, and their unusual ways of looking at things. Here is what people would hear if we were all to ‘unmute the kids’:
The idea was to invite kids’ stories and get people to share these for the amusement and edification of us all.
In these days of work and study from home, parents tend to be present physically, but not present in any other sense. Maybe it is now time to revisit how we work from home.
We must make it a point to actually listen to kids; not just hear them. Their perspectives are often unique and valuable.
The pandemic has thrown all our worlds upside down – including kids, who are unable to play normally with their friends, interact with classmates and have just a normal childhood.
Kids tend to have a completely different point of view from adults. Their PoV is often more direct and straightforward even if it isn't wholly accurate.
We make soups form all kinds of things – why not burgers as well, asked one kid.
It may not be age-appropriate or even remotely polite, but kids repeat what they hear – often to hilarious effect.
If parents hope to teach their kids anything; particularly good values, it is vital that parents be prepared to practice what they preach. If not, kids will call their parents out on it.
Kids often display a rare straightforwardness that comes from an innate honesty. They do not see any need for lying or pretence.
Some kids will ask others to be muted when they are unmuted – fair enough.
A family vlog? What a great idea!
When they understand the importance of something, some kids will honestly follow directions, without excuses – unlike some adults.
They know how to take advantage of a given situation.
Apart from all the other excellent reasons to #UnmuteTheKids, it is great fun to speak to kids and get to know how their minds work. They offer us a unique perspective on various issues and obvious solutions that may not have occurred to us. They make us laugh and they make us think. They also grow up. All too fast! So spend lots of time with kids and appreciate them --- because they will never be this age ever again.
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