The thought of me as a parent, having the responsibility of teaching my girls all they’d ever need to know to be an awesome grown up is overwhelming to say the very least. It's not something that instantly came to mind for me when I found out I was expecting. Everyone knows you've got to teach them their ABC's and how to write their name, how to say "momma" and drink from a sippy cup…but I'm talking about the deeper things…the less obvious but most important things. You know, like honesty, integrity, love, etc. Those things are harder to teach.
All I can think is... How will I teach these things? Are there lesson plans on Pinterest? Then I realized that no matter how much I preach these things to them, they might not ever really sink in unless I lead by example. Have I done this yet? Have I ever used myself as an example to show them right from wrong?
Soon I found myself sitting, writing out qualities I would like them to have and things I would like them to learn from me. Then, I tried to come up with examples where I have showed this to them.
Here's what I came up with:
1. Stopped for a funeral procession when no one else did = taught them about respect.
2. Elderly man was $6.00 short when paying for his medications at the pharmacy. Paid the $6.00. = taught them about helping strangers.
3. Cry every time I see the St. Jude Hospital commercial. = taught them about having compassion for others.
4. Took them to the park. = taught them about spending quality time with family.
5. Read to them before bed. = taught them about the importance of books.
6. Made a chore chart. = taught them about responsibility.
7. Passed a car accident and said a prayer out loud. = taught them about praying for others and not just their own wants or needs.
8. Helped them with homework. = taught them how to care for the ones they love.
9. Hung up their ribbons and report cards on the fridge. = taught them that hard work is appreciated.
10. Sent a friend a card just to say "Hi." = taught them to value friendships.
11. Donated clothes to a charity. = taught them about giving to those less fortunate.
12. Say "I love you" to them everyday.= taught them they must say those words often to people who are important to them.
13. Had a dance party in the car waiting on a train to pass. = taught them about patience.
14. Take their pictures. = taught them they are beautiful.
15. Said "No" to candy in the checkout line. = taught them they can't always get what they want.
16. Turned the music up and danced like crazy! = taught them not to care about what others think.
17. Took them to school when I was very sick. = taught them to put others before themselves.
18. Been their mom. Been there for them. = taught them they are worth it.
When I had completed my list, I realized... I still have much more to show them, but I'm off to a good start. It really isn't that hard to teach them the deeper things about life. You just have to be willing to do those things yourself. So, teach on moms, you are awesome!!
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