We all want to be great role models for our kids.
We are careful to exhibit good and respectful behaviour in all circumstances, being sure they learn how to interact considerately with others in the community.
But it goes so much deeper than that. I found myself realising that I was not being a great role model for our daughter recently.
Little things. But they are big things.
I bemoaned my weight gain. Inadvertently indicating that I was somehow less worthy because of it.
I ran around feverishly trying to make sure everyone had what they needed and in leaving myself last fell in a heap and just left myself out. This must surely teach her that it is more important to please everyone than to honour yourself?
Even when I gave her money for something, leaving me without cash myself I was showing it was OK to run yourself out of resources to please another.
I have cooked and cleaned and washed clothes and shopped and bought gifts for her friends birthdays, and organised Christmas and and and……..you get the picture.
We think we are providing for our family, or I did. But are we not also teaching them to replicate our behaviour? To render themselves destitute while their family sit and watch TV?
The kids are definitely watching, and if I am to provide the best education for our Daughter, I am definitely going to begin by better educating myself.
