Modelling Behavior To Our Children
Something funny happened at our house last week. At least I thought it was funny…
My daughter, Rebekah was in my bedroom chatting to me, then she went back to her room. I suddenly thought of something important that I could add to the conversation so I called out to her “bla bla bla”. I have forgotten the exact words that I said but that’s not important. What is important is what Becky said in reply.
She called back to me and said , “Mum, if you want to talk to me you need to come in to my room, not just yell out to me”. Oops! I had broken my own rule. I sheepishly walked into her room and said what I wanted to her. Then I had to give her a big apology for breaking the rule.
Parents, never expect a child to do something that you are not prepared to do yourself. That is a crucial rule of parenting. It should always be “do as I do”, not “do as I say”. I had forgotten this very important principle. No-one is perfect and we all make mistakes from time to time. But it is what we do with that mistake that can make or break us as a parent.
I’m pleased to announce that since that incident I have remembered the rule about not calling out through the house. Good for me. And good for the kids also because whatsoever they see me doing, they will do too. It’s just a matter of time.
You can sign up for more fantastic information and some parenting freebies by going to http://www.yourchildcanbehave.com See you there,
Kim Patrick
