Lessons from a Preschooler: The Magic of a Simple “Hi”

Dr. Deb Zupito

A Dad recently shared something that touched me in a place I wasn’t expecting. It made me pause, get a little teary, and then feel inspired to write this. He said, “Be creative. Keep learning. Say hi to strangers.” Such simple words, yet they hold so much meaning when you really let them sink in.

He went on to tell me about his son, and that’s where the magic really hit. This little boy greets almost everyone they pass. Sometimes he shares a quick story about his day, sometimes he beams as he shows off a favorite toy. And every single time, people light up in response. A smile, a laugh, a moment of connection. What a powerful reminder that at our core, we are wired to connect.

Safe, But Not Closed Off

As parents, of course we want our children to be safe and cautious. But being safe doesn’t mean shutting down or shutting others out. There is something truly beautiful in small, human gestures, a smile, a wave, holding the door, or yes, even showing off a toy. These are not just sweet manners; they are acts of humanity. They are prosocial skills, the very foundation of kindness and community.

When we allow children to practice openness in safe, mindful ways, we are helping them grow into compassionate adults. That simple hello is more than a greeting, it’s a life lesson in empathy, presence, and connection.

Presence in a Busy World

Life moves quickly. We rush from one thing to the next, heads down, calendars full, phones buzzing. Yet children have a way of pulling us back to what matters most. They remind us that joy can be found in slowing down long enough to notice.

Take time with your children to pause and really see the world. Notice the flowers starting to bloom, the neighbor walking their dog or waving from across the street, the familiar face at a local shop. A little kindness, even just a smile, might change someone’s entire day.

A Child’s Lesson for Us All

This dad’s son may not realize it yet, but he is teaching a lesson many adults need to relearn; connection is the heartbeat of life. Every smile he sparks, every stranger who walks away with a lighter step proves that a simple hello has the power to ripple far and wide.

So let’s follow his lead. Let’s notice more, connect more, and bring kindness into the everyday. These are the values we want our children to carry into the future, and it starts with us. Sometimes, the smallest gestures create the biggest change!