What My 5-Year-Old Taught Me About Life (In 10 Hilarious Minutes)
Recently, I sat down for a spontaneous interview with my 5-year-old son, Dion, at the Maya Horor Theater. I wanted to see what the world looks like through his eyes and what followed was a rollercoaster of laughs, surprises, and surprisingly insightful moments. From his thoughts on pizza and superheroes to money and politics, Dion gave us a front-row seat into the beautiful (and wildly funny) mind of a child.
A Mini-Interview That Packed a Punch
Let me be clear - this wasn’t a serious sit-down. It was playful, unscripted, and filled with the kind of honesty only kids can deliver. Dion answered everything from “Who works hardest in our house?” to “What does a banana cost?” (Spoiler: Apparently, it’s $90).
And that’s the beauty of it. Kids don’t see the world the way we do. They mash up logic, imagination, and emotion into a hilarious (and often enlightening) narrative that adults can’t replicate.
The Magic of Father-Son Bonding
There’s something magical about talking to a child when they don’t know they’re being profound. This interview was never meant to be a deep dive into psychology but somehow, it became one. Dion and I shared jokes, playfully argued about who does more around the house, and reflected on everyday topics that, in a child’s mind, become hilariously skewed but deeply telling.
The conversation was more than just Q&A; it was a celebration of the joy, curiosity, and candor that defines childhood.
Dion’s Worldview: Pizza, Forts, and Olympic Dreams
Here’s what I learned:
Favorite food? Easy - pepperoni pizza.
Top activities? Watching TV, building forts, swimming, and playing soccer.
Dream job? Competing in every Olympic sport. Ambitious? Absolutely. Inspiring? No doubt.
These innocent preferences say a lot. They show what excites him, what makes him feel alive, and where his imagination runs wild. As a parent, that’s priceless information.
When Kids Talk Finances, Prepare to Laugh
At one point, Dion guessed that a banana costs $90 and a sandwich $50. His economic worldview? Let’s just say inflation isn’t the only thing out of control.
But behind the laughs is a lesson: our kids are always observing. That’s why introducing simple financial concepts early through conversations, play, or everyday choices - can go a long way.
Childhood Innocence Meets Candid Commentary
Dion’s answers gave me (and the audience) a peek into how kids see the world:
Adults mostly work. And sometimes, their “fun” is also work.
Kids? We just have fun.
Who does the most at home? Depends on the day… and his mood.
These remarks, while funny, highlight how children absorb everything around them - our routines, our stress, our joy and build their worldview from it.
Superheroes, YouTube, and the Media We Feed Them
Like most kids his age, Dion is into superheroes and YouTube. While that might sound like every 5-year-old ever, it also opened up a conversation about media consumption. How do we, as parents, guide our kids in this digital jungle?
For me, it starts with co-watching, asking questions, and using media moments to spark bigger conversations. Because whether it’s Spiderman or Minecraft, every piece of content shapes how our kids see themselves and the world.
Big Questions, Small Answers (and That’s Okay)
What do kids think about politics? Who works the hardest in the house? What’s the purpose of money? Dion’s answers were hilarious, charming, and wildly off the mark but they also revealed the way children process the adult world.
Rather than correct or redirect, I just listened. Because sometimes, the point isn’t to educate - it’s to understand.
Final Thoughts: Sometimes, the Best Conversations Are the Simplest
This interview reminded me of a universal truth: the best insights often come from the most unexpected places - like a five-year-old casually schooling you on life.
So if you’re a parent, try this: sit down with your child. Ask them the big (and small) questions. Their answers will surprise, delight, and maybe even teach you something about yourself.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little curiosity and a whole lot of love to turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.