I wish someone had told me how much I’d learn from my kids. Then again, maybe not. I’m enjoying the surprise of my babies being my teachers. I have found that I have learned more about me from being a wife and a mother. I’ve learned my good and my bad. It’s like having a mirror in my face at all times. The mirror doesn’t only show you when you look fly, it shows your flaws too. I do have the choice of ignoring what I see or fixing it. I’m choosing to work on me.
I notice how my weaknesses can easily become my kids weaknesses. My insecurities could easily be theirs. If I fail to speak up for myself or them, they may be prone to take things they shouldn’t. If I am rude, impatient or yelling all the time, I can’t expect them to be different. It’s so true that kids do what they see – not what you say.
I’m not perfect. That’s not my goal. I’m just trying to be better. I try hard to be calm with my babies. I try to be very patient. I watch my temper when I’m behind the wheel. I’ve found that I monitor so much of what I do, for their sake.
One area that is really under the microscope is my relationship with God. My son is very curious about God. He asks a million questions. He is intrigued by this God we talk about. His curiosity has made me dig deeper into my faith. I have to be able to explain my faith. It’s one thing to explain it to an adult. As adults we all have some idea of God and who He is. Even if you choose not to believe in Him – you get it. My son is four years old. For all intents and purposes he is new to this world. I can’t give him plain answers and expect him to get it. I can’t fake my faith with him. I love that!
He’s made me think deeper about what I believe and why I believe. The kid keeps me on my toes in all areas of life. All of his curiosity will serve him well. I’m sure of that. It’s already done wonders for his mom.
My hope is that my kids mirror my strengths. If they just have to mirror my weaknesses as well, I hope that at least those weaknesses will look more like works in progress.
What are your kids showing you about yourself? How do they challenge you?
38 Comments on Mirror, Mirror
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I try to model good behavior and values for my boys! I can only hope that some of that rubs off on them.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…3 diet myths that don’t work -and 3 that do!
It is so true – actions speak so much louder than words. My kids have shown me the importance of having more patience, slowing down and enjoying life.
So true! My oldest is so curious about church and God so it’s interesting trying to explain that to a 3 1/2 year old. I do hope my weaknesses are a work in progress too!
Natalie recently posted…Back from the Beach
This is a really great and insightful post. The perfect reminder! I try to be the best role model for my kids as I can be though I’m far from perfect.
Erica recently posted…Heat Up the Grill! Healthy Cheeseburgers, Slaw and More! #BBQ #Recipes
I have a saying practice what you preach,its all well and good telling your kids how to act but if you do not act that way how will they learn what is right.
Kay Adeola recently posted…Explore the Regional Flavours of Italy with Filippo Berio Gran Cru
Seriously – my two year old already has my impatience! I need to work on being a better person to be a better mom. Very inspiring.
Krystal recently posted…Plan a Vacation | RCI’s Win Your Dream Vacation Sweepstakes #RCIDreamVacay
Kids really do pick up from their role models. And they are quick too.
Debbie Denny recently posted…Which States Did Best On Clean Energy Jobs?
I was always aware of my own fears and hangups so I worked extra hard to cover those up so my kids wouldn’t pick it up. So far as I can see, it’s worked!
Liz Mays recently posted…5 Summer 2014 Must See Movies
Our kids are like little sponges, soaking up everything we say and do. I try to make sure their soaking up the right stuff.
Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted…âYou Are Beautifulâ Bracelet
My kids are constantly asking questions. But they are also teaching me a ton, too. They are at a VBS right now and are learning stories that I’ve forgotten!
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? recently posted…These kids are cracking us up
Kids are sponges. I’m always watching what I say to my son so he doesn’t take things too literally. And I’m amazed at what he does learn (he’ll bring things up months later – and he’s only 2.5-years-old.)
Motherhood is such a wonderful and terrifying mirror for me, too! I think having children, being a wife are the hardest endeavors that I’ve ever committed to in my life. But they are also the most rewarding, instructive, and ever changing. I hope my children can look at my life as it is, as an ever work in progress toward something better. I hope they learn that from me. I hope they can believe in the power of new days , forgiveness, sunshine, and positivity. I am not perfect but I do aim to live these things everyday of my life.
Such a great quote! It’s very true that our kids imitate who we are, much more than just what we say.
Shell recently posted…The Change in My Summer Attitude
Setting a good example for the children ruins all my fun…. lol. Just kidding. I put my best foot forward around Red, which is why I think manners are suddenly so important to him.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama recently posted…If It’s Outside, I Can’t Kill It…
My son is now 11 so the dynamic is starting to change and it is so interesting. For us, it is about him being right when the dads are wrong. When do they get smarter than us!
thanks,Mitch
Mitch recently posted…Join Me and Unilever’s Project Sunlight For a #brightfuture! @UnileverUSA #ad
I fear that some of my fears are going to start to make my son afraid too. I want to be a person that he wants to emulate.
Kathy recently posted…The Must Have Maleficent Products of Summer!
Great post- I’m not a parent, but am bookmarking this post to come back to when I have kids!
Elizabeth @ Food Ramblings recently posted…Tomato and Zucchini Gratin {Secret Recipe Club}
That is such a great reminder. I try so hard to be the person I want my kids to be.
Janell Poulette recently posted…COGITO Watch – The Coolest Gift For Dad + 15% Off Coupon
This is so very true. When I’m overly stressed and having a few bad days I can tell a difference in my kids. I try to remind myself how I handle a situation is how I’m teaching them to handle one. I’m far from perfect and I know I want to be better at showing them the example I want them to learn from.
MommaDJane recently posted…Unity Cross – Wedding Ceremony Keepsake
This is so true! When my kids do something “unfavorable”- I can normally trace it back to something that I did or said.
Carly Bellard recently posted…Zeal Modern Eatery: Review and Coupon
I try so hard to set a good example, even when they try my patience. I know they are watching everything and soaking everything up!
Barbara recently posted…Visiting Paradise…
I really, really love this quote! It’s so true that parents lead by example – we need to remember this always!
Jenn @TheRebelChick recently posted…A Guy’s Take on Disney’s Maleficent
Great quote. It is so important to remember that our kids look up to us. I know I forget sometimes.
Kids are not stupid, and they take everything in. You always have to keep that in mind…like every moment of every day.
StacieinAtlanta recently posted…Party Planning Fun with @ProFlowers & @Evite + Win Flowers! #PartyBlooms
my kids have my sarcastic humor. luckily they also have a passion for being with family.
melinda recently posted…The Big Day
Well I think it is good to set the best example for your kids. They do emulate what they see their parents doing
veronica recently posted…Summer Promotions
Actions do speak louder than words! I have to remember that all of the time!
Angie | Big Bear’s Wife recently posted…FarmVille to Table – The New FarmVille to Table Cookbook & My Favorite Blackberry Skillet Cobbler #FV2Table #FarmVilleCookbook
I think one of the things that makes good parents, good parents is that we strive every day to work at being a better parent.We recognize our faults and know that we want to do and be better.
It’s incredible how much they learn when we don’t even think about it! My son has started taking up my sighing…so I definitely am more conscious!
Christie recently posted…Universal Orlando Diagon Alley – New Shows & Entertainment Revealed
I have learned so much from my 15 month old son. I look forward to learning more. Being a parent is truly eye opening.
ajackeduppeach recently posted…Women Watch Your Husbands!!! Text Message Gone Wrong
I love that quote! That is soo true. I wish they could “do as I say, not as I do” but I’m learning it’s not that easy! Lol.
Cynthia Wright recently posted…$100 Kohl’s Gift Card Giveaway
I have gotten comfortable in baggier clothing and I’m seeing my tween do that now too. She has a beautiful body and I want her to feel comfortable in it.
lisa recently posted…Kids Bowl Free + Family Pass
I do have to remember that. I bet a lot of us forget that alot. lol
Tess recently posted…Night Night, Sleep Tight: How to Get the Most Out of Your Bed
I like that quote! My kids are constantly teaching me. Lately, they’ve been teaching me about patience 😉
Becca @ Mama B recently posted…5 Tips to Surviving Allergy Season with Angel Soft
I feel like I could write a blog post in response to those two questions. I’ve learned more from my kids in 5 years than I ever did at school!
Emily recently posted…Kid Friendly Paleo Granola Recipe
That is the best way I have ever heard it put. So be who you want them to become made me stop hard.
Debi recently posted…CVS Coupon Matchup This Week 6/8-6/14
This is so true. It is a great quote that should be remember when we want healthy eaters too!
Clancy Cash Harrison MS, RD, LDN recently posted…Don’t Toss the Leafy Greens from Root Veggies
It is incredible to see how much of us our children model in their real lives and in their play.
Janeane Davis recently posted…Stop Procrastination – Prepare In Advance