Linda Swanson contributed an article this month that included one of the best quotes I have read in a long time. “Our children will become what we are so we'd better start becoming what we want them to be!” As I read that in her article, it was one of those moments when I was struck by the huge responsibility I have as a parent. I obviously know that but sometimes I hear, read or see something that makes it overtly clear to me.
This particular moment made me pause and take stock of what it is I really want my kids to be. I went through a laundry list of traits that I would hope they would possess as adults and then introspectively considered, “How many of those things will they see and learn from me?” Compassionate, generous, humble and kind were characteristics that quickly flashed before my eyes as attributes I hope they develop. I probably have some work to do in at least a couple of those areas! They would also fair well to be a little more “tidy” than I am. I truly hope they pick that up from someone else because I can pretty much guarantee they won’t learn it in my house!
While none of us are perfect, having little eyes watching our every move should be incentive enough to keep ourselves motivated to be the best human beings we can be. It’s quite a reality check when you consider that they are absorbing our very best and very worst moments equally. They will learn how to respond when someone cuts us off in traffic or steps in front of us in a grocery line. They will see how we spend our money and what we do with our extra time.
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Sarah Anderson, who is a first time contributor to PG, wrote a great article about demonstrating the power of compassion to our children through working with them to serve and assist others. It was a great reminder for me that even though my kids are young, there are a number of small things even they can do to put others first. Finding an activity where we can serve, as a family, is a goal my husband and I have now set for ourselves to begin within the next couple of months.
I hope that this month’s issue of PG offers you something just as significant as this quote was for me. Who knows, maybe this quote will be “it” for you as well!
Best wishes,
Kirsten Johnson