There are so many things I want to say about kids and parenting. I know I'm not a professional, by educational standards, but I think I've done a pretty good job with my two. So this is something I've come across and love to share.
Our children our little versions of us. Well, they are if we are with them through life. Everyone tells us their little brains are like sponges soaking everything in. And boy is it true. My son was the most well mannered, polite little boy on the planet. He received compliments from everyone. Then school happened. He picked up the worst attitude that I have ever seen. People turned heads and were in shock by the words and attitude behind them. It was scary. But after a week or two he returned to his normal self of the sweet, kind, respectful child I knew and loved - and taught, raised, worked on! They absorb so much around them. We all know of some story where 'Lil Billy said a bad word. He didn't know it was bad because Daddy says it at the TV when the football game is on. There's a story for almost every child in every family. Maybe it wasn't a four letter word, but a sassy pants attitude toward Daddy because Mommy said it to her friend. Who knows. But it shows us just how much those kids want to be like us, doesn't it. That isn't a bad thing. For one, it makes us step up our game. We watch what we say and how we say it when those feet are pitter pattering by our side. It's great to have accountability. It also allows us to show them, and instill in them, the right things. There are three major things that I work to instill in my children. Although it is often bothersome to have them around while I'm doing these three things, I know it is a great way to show them the importance of them. So here are my three bigs to make active in my children. 1st Place: Spiritual walk. Y'all know where I stand. If you're new here and don't know, I am a follower of Christ. A Christian - despite all the negativity that makes it to the news that word is not so terrible. A Christian is supposed to fall in line with exactly what I'm talking about. Christian means little Christ. We are to show Christ, Jesus, to those around us. We mimic as a child mimics us. My children know that when I am having my quiet time, it means I am reading my Bible, praying, journaling, spending time with the Lord. They are allowed to join me in that time, as long as they are following suit. I have watched both children run and grab Bibles to read and underline passages, just as I am doing in that time. We pray together. We talk about the Christian life together (one of the best things about walking Caleb to school). If they are going to mimic me, I want it to be in this area first and foremost. Tied for 2nd: Exercise. Come on, you knew this was coming. I'm a personal trainer. I continually try to implement family exercise/fitness activities. They are allowed to workout while I am working out or when I have clients, as long as the adults get first choice of equipment and space. I know that they know that being active is important to their health. They see me outside working and know that they need to as well. Tied for 2nd: Education. Okay, seriously, I'm a writer, former educator, tutor. These are just rolling off. When the kids see me, or my husband, reading, it shows them we value reading. They see me writing and they love to write. They know that we are teachers, and therefor want to be our favorite students. And they are. They work hard because they know we will celebrate them, and because they realize that they too will be well educated. Kids are who we make them to be. They will follow whoever they can, why not have them follow you? If you aren't proud of the person you are, then maybe you should work on yourself, and let them see it. Let them see how you improve. My children have watched me lose 60 pounds of baby weight. They have watched me read rejection letters from publishers. They have seen me cry, laugh, sing, fall, and rise again. There are negative things that they have picked up from me, but it has helped me change myself for the better. And I will always be changing to better myself for them, for me, and for whoever else is following.
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AuthorI have a lot to say about a lot of things. Archives
May 2023
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