Sometimes I am not a good student.

As much as life’s lessons stare me in the face, there are times when I refuse to pay attention to the teacher, especially when he is only 49 inches high and a little over 50 pounds.

Friday marks my sixth year in Parent University. Of all of the people who have entered this fine institution, I do not know of one classmate who has ever graduated or earned their degree.

I thought I had done a good job in the school of life, until my son showed up to show me there was so much more to learn.

Some lessons were easy to learn and came from direct experience, like learning to shield yourself before undoing a baby boy’s diaper or that nothing is really out of reach when your child is determined to get something, even if it takes stacking multiple pieces of furniture.

I have also learned that boys will put almost anything in their pockets and that crayons make a mess when melted in the clothes dryer.

The hardest lessons to learn — and to be honest, ones that I have yet to master — are the ones that are less cut and dry. These classroom moments involve self-reflection and the ability to see thing about myself in my child.

Here are four things that I have learned about life from my son in just six short years.

1. Have patience. Don’t give up.

Watching this tiny helpless being, learn to walk, talk and suddenly become an independent person with his own likes and dislikes in the matter of a few years has been nothing short of amazing.

My son didn’t learn to accomplish the most basic of lessons, without mistakes, stumbles and failure. By not giving up and not expecting things to change overnight, my son has accomplished amazing things in his six brief years.

If a small child can make great strides in just a few short years, imagine what we can do as adults if we just apply the same determination and perseverance they exhibit.

2. Sometimes a smile does change everything.

I admit it, I don’t smile enough most days. It doesn’t come naturally for me, especially when the worries of parenthood, reach astronomic levels.

But when I catch a glimpse of that cute dimple on my son’s face, I have a difficult time not smiling. It may not be a cure, but for just a moment that smile is therapy for many of life’s toils and tribulations.

3. It is better to live in the present, not the future or past.

Gibson lives mostly in the present because he doesn’t have much of a past and is too busy to think about the future.

Attachments to past mistakes and future worries are probably the greatest impediments in life.

My son has few goals these days. As he grows older he has started to plan for his future. Instead of worrying about paying the rent or buying a new car, his future plans include who his next playmate will be or how many days are left before he goes to the beach.

For him, every moment is an opportunity for fun. It is a hard lesson for me to learn, but one I keep working at little by little.

4. Laughter is the best medicine.

When you are staring as a gallon of milk spilled on the floor or when your child throws up in your hands, sometimes laughter is the only option left.

In the last six years, I have learned that through the frustration, tears, and unexpected surprises, parenthood is hilarious. You just have to find the humor in it.

It is just one lesson I am learning day by day.

Ben Hillyer is the design editor of The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3540 or by email at ben.hillyer@natchezdemocrat.com.