Ever notice how kids seem to exist in a world where time moves at a different speed? A five-minute car ride feels like forever, and summer vacations stretch endlessly. Meanwhile, as adults, we blink and another year has passed. So why do kids experience time so differently, and can we reclaim that slow-motion magic?

The Elasticity of Childhood Time

Think back to your childhood. Remember how long it took for your birthday to arrive? Or how an afternoon of play felt like an entire day? For kids, time is more than just numbers on a clock—it’s a shifting, emotional experience.

Scientists suggest that children and adults perceive time differently because of how we process experiences. Kids are constantly encountering new things, making each day feel rich and full. Their lives are packed with "firsts"—first bike ride, first day of school, first taste of ice cream—creating vivid memories that stretch time.

Why Time Speeds Up as We Age

As adults, we settle into routines. The brain doesn’t have to work as hard when life is predictable, so time feels like it’s rushing by. Fewer new experiences mean fewer standout memories, compressing our sense of time.

Emotions also play a role. When we’re engaged and happy, time flies. When we’re bored or stressed, it drags. Kids, with their heightened emotions and fresh experiences, naturally feel time more deeply.

Can We Slow Time Down?

The good news? We can tap into the childhood sense of slow time. Here’s how:

1. Break Routine – Try a new activity, visit a different place, or shake up your daily schedule. Novelty stretches time.

2. Be Present – Kids live in the moment. Practicing mindfulness helps us savor each experience.

3. Create More Memories – Plan activities that engage the senses, like a hike, a cooking class, or an art project.

4. Stay Curious – Explore new ideas, ask questions, and embrace a learning mindset.

5. Move Your Body – Physical activity helps ground you in the present, slowing your perception of time.

The Takeaway

Kids may have a natural ability to experience time more fully, but we can reclaim that magic. By stepping out of autopilot, embracing new experiences, and truly living in the moment, we can make time feel richer and more expansive.