10 things in life that are most meaningful to kids (according to kids)

Recently, a doctor who cares for children with life-limiting illnesses asked some what they've enjoyed in life and what gave it meaning. He then posted a string of responses from the kids, ages four and nine, on Twitter. As Dr. Alastair McAlpine, a pediatrician who works for the nonprofit PaedsPal, noted, "NONE said they wished they'd watched more TV, NONE said they should've spent more time on Facebook."

Their answers are a reminder to us all of the simple stuff that matters most to our children. So the next time you're worried that you're not doing enough activities with your kids or taking them on enough trips or buying them enough of this or that or yada yada concern, refer to this heartfelt list.

Pets

"I love Rufus, his funny bark makes me laugh."
"I love when Ginny snuggles up to me at night and purrs."
"I was happiest riding Jake on the beach."

Parents

"Dad mustn't worry. He'll see me again soon."
"Hope mum will be ok. She seems sad."
"God will take care of my mum and dad when I'm gone."

Ice-cream

"ALL of them loved ice-cream," reported Dr. McAlpine.

Books

"All of them loved books or being told story, especially by their parents," Dr. McAlpine tweeted:

"Harry Potter made me feel brave."
"I love stories in space!"
"I want to be a great detective like Sherlock Holmes when I'm better!"

True friends

"Many wished they had spent less time worrying about what others thought of them, and valued people who just treated them 'normally,'" said Dr. McAlpine:

"My real friends didn't care when my hair fell out."
"Mane came to visit after the surgery and didn't even notice the scar!"

The beach/swimming

"I made big sandcastles!"
"Being in the sea with the waves was so exciting! My eyes didn't even hurt!"

Kindness

A virtue, says Dr. McAlpine, valued by children above all others:

"My granny is so kind to me. She always makes me smile."
"Johnny gave me his half sandwich when I didn't eat mine. That was nice."
"I like it when that kind nurse is here. She's gentle. And it hurts less."

People who made them laugh

"That magician is so silly! His pants fell down and I couldn't stop laughing!"
"My daddy pulls funny faces which I just love!"
"The boy in the next bed farted! Hahaha!"

Toys and superheroes

"My Princess Sophia doll is my favourite!"
"I love batman!"
"I like cuddling my teddy."

Family time

"They ALL valued time with their family. Nothing was more important," noted Dr. McAlphine:

"Mum and dad are the best!"
"My sister always hugs me tight!"
"No one loves me like mummy loves me!"

Dr. McAlpine's final take-home message: "Be kind. Read more books. Spend time with your family. Crack jokes. Go to the beach. Hug your dog. Tell that special person you love them. These are the things these kids wished they couldn't done more. The rest is details. Oh... and eat ice-cream."