Whether you realize it or not, you are setting an example for your children! I am sure many of you reading this have heard of and may have even used it yourself, right ” Out of the Mouth of Babes!” Would what comes out of your child’s mouth embarrass you? Children are like sponges; they absorb everything that you say. They are also modeling after you, how you behave, how you treat yourself, others and even how you treat them.
Speaking of right out of the mouth of babes, I have a funny story to tell you. When my stepdaughter was 4 years old, I took her to Food Lion one night and as we were in line to check out, the cashier left the register to do a price check. Aj said to me, “Susan why is it taking them so long?” I said to her, “Sweetie, life can be one big wait at times.” With that, she said, why don’t you marry my dad, then?” I said, “He hasn’t asked me, yet.”
She then put her little hand on her hip and looked at me straight in the eyes and said, “You might as well be, you’re living with him.” Oh my goodness, my face turned beat red, as there was now a long line of people behind us that heard her, lol. Just for the record, her father did propose not long after and we never stayed in the same room while the girls were there overnight, as they came to visit every other weekend <grin>. Needless, to say, she heard that from somewhere;)
This past weekend my husband and I went to the grocery store. As we were coming out of the store, there was a mother who was walking ahead of us with her little boy. She was going so fast that he couldn’t keep up with her. All of a sudden, she said to him in a very mean tone, “Hurry up, we have to go!” The poor little boy was going as fast as he possibly could. Imagine how that little guy must have felt? What kind of message are you sending to your child?
I remember when my stepdaughter was 5 years old; she was playing with one of her baby dolls. Out of the blue, she started scolding her in a certain tone. My husband and I looked at each other, like where did that come from, as we didn’t speak to her like that. Remember, she didn’t live with us; she only came every other weekend to visit. Need I say more? What tones you use and how you say something to your child makes an impression on them.
Everything you say or do is being modeled by your child, grandchild, etc. How you treat yourself and others is equally as important. You want to be kind and compassionate to others. Making yourself a priority rather then an option sends your child a strong message, that in order to give and share, we must first take care of ourselves. As your child sees you doing so they will be inclined to do the same. Think of it in this way, whatever you do is going to be modeled!
9 Ways To Make Your Behavior & Relationships Worthy of Being Modeled:
1. Always speak kind and loving words to your child as well as to others.
2. Treat them and others with love, honor, respect, kindness, compassion, etc.
3. If you disagree with someone discuss it in private, but remember to never, ever belittle them.
4. Make sure words like, “Thank You”, “You’re Welcome”, “Please”, “I Appreciate You”, “I’m Sorry”, and “Please Forgive Me”, are all at the top of your vocabulary list.
5. Help others to feel they are more then enough! Help to build them up rather than to tear them down.
6. Give and share the best you!
7. Give praise when someone deserves it.
8. Listen attentively without interrupting.
9. Forgive graciously. Let them know that we all make mistakes including you.
Most of all make sure your child is hearing your loving voice. Make them feel that they are special, that you value them. Let them know in your actions, that they are a significant part of your life. Enjoy them, love them and help them to grow and be the ‘BEST’ that they can be! Show them that they are more then enough! Remember to tell them how much you love them and just how proud of them you are. Also, telling a child that you believe in them is huge! I know, because I was not told that as a child. Trust me, they grow up very quickly. Lastly, don’t be afraid to tell your child that you were wrong about something. Letting them know that you aren’t perfect, it helps them to realize that they don’t have to be either.
Susan Preston is a Relationship Consultant as well as a Mindset Motivator specializing in helping you to master yourself so that you can that have Extraordinary Relationships.. With her unique philosophy, Susan helps you to discover your true magnificence and how to embrace it. She will provide you with all the necessary tools to successfully bring out the best in your relationships starting with your mindset.
Visit Susan’s website http://susancanhelpme.com/
Are you having relationship problems now? Or maybe you can’t move forward in another area of your life…Susan would like to help. Click on “Free Consultation” and she will gladly give a free 30 minute consultation to answer any pressing questions that you may have.
Business and Life Strategist. Merging the best of both worlds in order to simplify your business and enhance your life. Public Speaker, Loves God and Chocolate.
