Life Lessons from a Child on a Train

 Life Lessons from a Child on a Train

When we observe a child closely for a while, we can learn many life lessons that help us review and change our own behaviour. While I was travelling to another city for a workshop, a couple and their child sat next to me. Once the train started, the child slept for a while and woke up after some time. Since the child had been sitting on his mother’s lap for a while, he became restless and started crying, looking at his father. The mother instructed the father to carry the child and walk for a while. The father did the same, and I found the child enjoying the walk.

After some time, the child was laughing and moving between father and mother, looking out the window, and clapping with laughter. Since the journey was five hours long, I spent a few hours observing the child at one end and continued my work at the other.

Once I got off the train and boarded a cab to my destination, which took another 90 minutes, I noted down my insights from the child’s behaviour.

The seven insights are:

1. Convey your discomfort
2. Seek the help of others
3. Enjoy a new process
4. Seek pleasure by observing
5. Laugh when you are happy
6. Keep moving from one person to another
7. Cry if required

Let’s see how these 7 insights relate to our lives.

 1. Convey your discomfort

On the train: The child became restless and cried when he was uncomfortable sitting on his mother’s lap for too long. He did not stay silent or pretend everything was fine.
Life lesson: We should express our discomfort clearly instead of suffering quietly. Communication is the first step towards change.

2. Seek the help of others

On the train: The child looked at his father and cried, and the mother instructed the father to help by carrying him. The child’s signal led to action.
Life lesson: We do not have to handle everything alone. Asking for help is not weakness; it is wisdom.

3. Enjoy a new process

On the train: When the father carried the child and walked for a while, the child enjoyed the movement and became calm.
Life lesson: A change of routine or a new approach can bring relief and joy. We should embrace new processes instead of resisting them.

4. Seek pleasure by observing

On the train: The child looked through the window and clapped with delight, finding joy in what he saw.
Life lesson: Happiness often lies in simple observation. We can find pleasure in ordinary moments if we pay attention.

 5. Laugh when you are happy

On the train: The child laughed openly and clapped when he was happy, without holding back.
Life lesson: Express your joy. Laughter and celebration make life lighter—for us and for those around us.

6. Keep moving from one person to another

On the train: The child moved happily between his father and mother, receiving comfort and attention from both.
Life lesson: Stay flexible in seeking support. Don't depend on just one person or one source of strength; let different people help and enrich your life.

7. Cry if required

On the train: The child cried when he needed attention and help. His cry was not manipulation; it was communication.
Life lesson: It is okay to cry when life becomes overwhelming. Tears can release pain and signal that we need care. Expressing emotion is human, not shameful.

That five-hour train journey and the child’s simple behaviour taught me more than I expected. Sometimes, the smallest teachers give the biggest lessons—if only we pause and observe.

 M.L. Narendra Kumar