Yes. Young children are messy, loud, drippy and don't know how to wipe themselves. But, they're also pretty freakin' happy. And so, even though I don't have the time or energy to read a 250-page book, I have been watching my children. (I'm actually legally required to watch my children because I was told keeping a baby monitor turned up really, really high isn't proper parental supervision.) Here's why I think little kids are happiness experts.
1. They are honest
If a five year old tells you that you're the most beautiful mommy in the world, he thinks you are. If he also tells you that your bare legs remind him of daddy's beard, he thinks that as well.
2. They're Cheap Dates Too
Sure, you can take them to the zoo. But, you can also take them out back to look at squirrels, and then you don't have to pay for parking.
3. They're Funny
Naturally. And, sometimes, on purpose. Be warned, however, little-kid jokes are difficult to follow because most have no punch line. Also, you can't assume a joke is over because your child is laughing. Nine times out of ten, when a kid tells a joke, she's going to laugh from beginning to end.
4. They're Uninhibited
They'll dress themselves in fairy wings, a tutu and galoshes to go to the grocery store. Once there, they'll break into song in the cereal aisle. Having a kid is probably a lot like living with Zooey Deschanel.
5. They're Good At Keeping Secrets
Okay. Just kidding. They're absolutely, positively terrible at keeping secrets. They're the worst secret keepers EVER. But, hey, they're just kids. They can't be good at everything.
6. They Don't Mind Getting Dirty
You might mind, but they don't.
7. They Don't Hold Grudges
Sure, little kids fight. But when it's over, it's over. They don't stew. They don't stay mad for weeks. They don't gossip on the phone about Max getting extra Goldfish during snack time. This is exactly why "Real Housewives" doesn't revolve around the lives of a bunch of four year olds.
8. They're Curious
"Why aren't bananas juicy?" "How did the first person who made pancakes know how to make pancakes?" "How did the baby get into your tummy?" There's so much to learn. And looking for answers to life's infinite puzzles makes for an interesting individual. I wish I were more curious. I should ask more questions. How does pressing a button on a remote control turn off the TV? What turns hair gray?" You would think I'd really want to get to the bottom of that one.
9. They Play
And they don't even do it because it will look good on their résumés.
10. They're Not Afraid To Show Their Feelings
The good, the bad and the ugly. And, by ugly, I mean the things you have to apologize for on your child's behalf using lame excuses like "needs to eat" or "missed his nap." Because no one wants to publicly admit that their child is actually rested and well fed... and just poorly behaved.
This post originally appeared on Huffington Post