There are many lovely things to observe in the world, but nothing beats witnessing our kids’ small discoveries. They are like little physicians, but instead of curing illnesses, they soothe our weary souls with their naive smiles and astute deeds. I want to share with my daughter a special experience that will always bring a smile to my face.

One day, my daughter was playing peacefully with a water bottle while my father and I were talking. After a while, I became aware that she was making a concerted effort to remove something from the bottle, even though I wasn’t paying much attention. My father and I started silently observing her out of curiosity. She hurried to the kitchen and returned with another bottle of water when she was unable to remove it. She carefully filled the first bottle with water until it was about 70% full, then tried again, but to no avail. She filled the bottle all the way to the top by pouring a bit more water after that.

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We were shocked to see a tiny plastic cap float to the top! She took it up and put it down, grinning proudly. I gave her a hug and a kiss because I was so delighted to see her happiness, but she grinned and said, “Move, Mommy,” as she began adding more water to the same container. “The bottle is already full,” I remarked, stopping her. You’re pouring more water, but why? “I’m trying to get out the eraser from the bottle,” she added, giving me a serious look.

I noticed a tiny eraser at the bottom when I glanced inside. My dad and I started laughing uncontrollably! “It floated because the cap is light,” my dad explained softly. The eraser sinks, though, because it is heavier. After giving it some serious thought, she inquired, “So how can I get it out?”

“Just pour out the water—then you’ll be able to take it easily,” I said to her. She did what I suggested, but as soon as she was done, she turned to face me with naive eyes and said, “Mummy, I got the eraser, but didn’t you tell me not to waste water a few weeks ago? So why did you ask me to spill the beans now?

I was stunned as I stood there. I was at a loss for words. I learned a lot from that little question.

Today’s kids are incredibly intelligent, fearless, and curious. They watch, consider, and challenge everything around them; occasionally, they even impart knowledge that adults fail to remember.

She came up with a creative answer on her own, even though I’ve never told her the tale of The creative Crow. I’m proud to have learned from her, even though I still don’t understand how she came up with it.