5 unbelievable times children taught us to be better human beings

Children constantly offer adults life-lessons. Are you listening?

Children are bundles of energy and their perspective are so new and original we can't help but be surprised by what comes out of their mouths -but what about their actions?

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - There are thousands of children around the world who offer opportunities for their parents and caregivers to learn wonderful life lessons. 

Here are Catholic Online's top five influential children who warm our hearts and inspire us to be better.

1. A 5-year-old teaches us to give

Ashton Harland was recorded running up to a homeless man after visiting a bakery. He attempted to pull his mother toward the man in an effort to share his pasty (meat pie) with a man less fortunate than himself.

Harland reportedly approached the same man earlier that day to offer his leftover, but warm, pancakes that cold morning in Wales. Let Harland's example remind us all to give to those less-fortunate than ourselves.

2. Three-year-old spreads cancer awareness

Emily James was deeply inspired to donate her hair after learning what cancer can do to other children. She stated, "Sometimes kids get sick and then their hair falls out. That's really, really sad."

James reminds us that helping people can be as easy as donating our hair -something both men and women can participate in - and can help children and adults around the world.

3. 4-year-old boy reminds us to be kind

Four-year-old Alston helped comfort his deskmate on their first day of kindergarten in Taiwan. The girl expresses concern over the next time she will see her mother and Alson saves the day, by telling her "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

When the girl asks for a hug after he comforts her, he says, "I think I'm too young," teaching us to not only be kind to others, but to also control our actions!

4. Pre-teen teaches us about inclusion

A young autistic boy named Jake decided to take a stand after being bullied and excluded from social events with his peers. He chose to stand among his classmates at his school's gym and announce his desire to be included:

"I ... I don't think you guys see me for me. I think you guys see me as a big target. You guys are always leaving me out of stuff ... never paying attention to me or anything I say ... I want you guys to try to see me for me ... It really kind of makes me feel bad that you don't want to know me ... I just really wanted to come up here and tell you guys that that's how I feel."

Jake teaches us that exclusion can be felt, no matter who you are. The best way to teach future generations how to include others and be more open to everyone's differences is to lead by example, which is exactly what Jake did with a little help from The Bully Project.

5. 7-year-old shows us how to fight through life's hiccups -literally

Ethan Hall was given the honor of singing "Advance Australia Fair" before a baseball game. He appeared on the field, dressed in nice black slacks, white collared shirt, blue tie and red sweater vest with mic in hand. 

He sang the first line beautifully -then the hiccups started. Rather than allowing the disturbance in his singing to deter him, Hall continued to sing and hiccup his way through the entire song, which ended in loud applause both on and off the field.

Hall taught us that sometimes we struggle to reach our goals, but when we do succeed, victory is that much sweeter! How have children made a difference in your life? What life lessons did they teach you? Let us know in the comments below.

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