Little Sponges

  Many parents put their kids into hockey and soccer. They take music lessons, get tutoring and learn to swim. We take them to plays and sporting events. To restaurants and on vacations. All the while they are watching and absorbing like the little sponges they are. Yet we forget they learn the most by watching us. 

  Kids see us. At our best and worst. They see us screaming at the refs and coaches. Calling them names. Questioning their intelligence. Then we tell them to be respectful of the refs and their coaches. Why would they listen? They've seen us do the opposite.

  We send our kids to school five days a week and tell them to listen to their teachers. Yet when they fail a test or a semester we put the blame squarely on the shoulders of the teacher. Why is that?

  When kids bully or are mean to others they have seen that behavior before. Did it come from us? Do we bully store clerks and treat strangers rudely? Have they learned through our example? Think about that for a minute.

  Bad traits are just as easily passed on to our children as good ones. Maybe even easier. Chances are we aren't aware when we are doing them. Or that the kids see. When you talk down to your server your kids think it's ok for them to do it too. But if you treat that same server with dignity and respect a different message is received. 

  We all want the best for our kids. All of us. Remember that the next time you use words like "retard" or "stupid". Your kids are listening. Remembering.  And learning.

  Ang