10 Things Your Kids Should See You Do!

We're our children's first teachers, modeling the smallest behaviors and habits that they pick up on and ultimately imitate. So, how do we handle that intentionally? Well, the truth is that there's no simple answer to this question but by being conscious in a few areas, we can hope to instill a strong foundation for growth and success into our tiny humans. This is a list of the things I'm focusing on representing before my children.

1. Let Them See You in Prayer

It is important to spend alone time with God but it is also important to model this habit for your children. It will teach them to value time with God. "How?", you say. Well, from time to time invite them into your quiet place and discuss what prayer is and how quiet time works, then get to praying. Pray for others, for each other and give thanks! Then give them kudos for joining you.

2. Random Acts of Kindness

If you want your kiddos to be kind, show them how to be kind by being kind to them and others. I know of a mom who takes her kids out on various trips just be kind to someone. It doesn't always have to be a big gesture, small things count for a lot in life. (i.e. carrying someone's groceries, taking items to a donation center, volunteering at a shelter, leaving anonymous kind notes.) Often it's the little lessons that stick the best.

3. Having Fun

Life will never be in perfect balance so every once and a while I want to shirk the responsible choice and have some fun. If shirking is too risky, it suffices to make their responsibilities fun. (i.e. clean to music, race against each other to get chores done) Get spontaneous and go have an adventure, it will encourage the kids to take reasonable risks and enjoy the moment.

4. Reading for Leisure & Learning

Seeing a parent read teaches a child the value of a book, as an alternative entertainment to movies and games. It also conveys the need for self-improvement and expansion of their mental capacity. So read as often as you can solo and together. Be open to answering the question 'Why?' you read.

5. Reading the Bible

This one is self explanatory, but I suppose I will explain anyway! Their curiosity about why you read the Bible will ultimately lead them to explore the Word themselves. Reading a children's Bible will engage them at their level, even better! (oddly enough writing that sentence made me infinitely excited for the Word of God to get a hold of our children :-D)

6. Worship - (at home, in the car, at church, in your tithing, etc.) It'll be an activity they will gladly join in with you on. Singing together is always fun. Who doesn't like a good car concert.

7. Exercise Self-control - This one is big because it emerges in your child's behavior at an early age and left unshaped... I don't even want to think about. :: cue dramatic music:: Self-control as in slow to anger, not overeating, proactivity instead of laziness in the face of household tasks (a personal one for me)

8. Seeking Cultural Experiences - Broadening your child's exposure to other cultures will breed tolerance and understanding for those different than them. It will teach them to appreciate that the world is bigger than them and that every culture is valuable.

9. Graciousness - Practice grace with them, with yourself and others. Discuss it with them and what it looks like in different situations. Grace is the strength to be compassionate, forgiving, courteous and restrained (when you REALLY don't want to). It's a good habit to cultivate and teach and a much better way to cope with the frustrations of life.

10. Cleanliness - They will learn how to maintain and keep their homes by how they see you live and keep your family home. Not that your home has to be perfect and pristine 100% of the time (because God knows my house is currently packed to the ceiling with laundry) but beyond giving them chores to do they should see us being proactive in keeping our homes well, as much as possible. So much harder said than done, I know!

So, these are my top 10 focuses. I'm hoping my actions will lead to a positive domino effect in the lives of my children and their children and so on and so on. We cannot control the lives of our children, but we can prepare them well by modeling well. Good luck out there moms! Until next time! MOM. IT. UP! xoxo