“Do as I say, not as I do…”
Another prehistoric phrase that needs to be deleted.
If I am saying that to my kids I’m probably doing something I shouldn’t be doing. Or, if I don’t want my kids doing said ‘thing’, don’t do it in front of them.
Here’s another idea:
How about I lead by example so they can do as I do.
This is how I plan on raising the most resilient Son and future Kids as I possibly can.
Will it work? Who knows….
I can’t see any harm coming of it.
Am I the perfect parent? Far from it.
I do know how to get through some of the toughest things life can throw at us.
I intent on imparting this to my Son and future kids.
“I do it Daddy”
My boy is three in August and since he turned two he wants to do EVERYTHING.
Dishes
Housework
Vacuuming
garden work
Pouring drinks
Undressing himself
Wiping his own butt
Taking his nappy off
You get the idea.
As parents the easy option is to say:
“No, don’t worry, Mummy or Daddy will do it, go play with your playdough”
It’s the easy option because it requires less effort and reduces the chances of making more of a mess or things going back in the drawer the wrong way
In reality this is our best chance to show and teach what normal is.
Let’s do it buddy!
Since he was two I have made every effort to encourage his desire to help.
Whenever possible my Son is involved in everything.
He helps clean spills.
He helps take the rubbish out.
He places dirty clothes in the basket.
He is helping to put the dishes away.
He is out in the yard carrying, pulling, pushing, moving and helping.
He is helping cook dinner. We make eggs most mornings together. (He had a very minor interaction with a hot pan, lesson learned by him).
He is now at a stage where he will say “Come on Daddy, time to pick up dog poop”.
He comes to the gym and watches me work my ass off leaving nothing in the tank, then he gets a turn after the session.
Monkey see Monkey do
They watch everything we do.
They want to be involved.
Not just to help or do something different.
They get to spend more time with us.
We are their world.
What may seem inconvenient to us is life to them.
Kids can learn a lot about patience and resilience simply by doing what we do.
Sure, there are limitations.
But, the more we allow them to do and help the fewer limitations exist.
MIND – BODY – SOCIAL – SPIRIT
The four areas we need to display and encourage for resilience in ourselves and to build resilience in our kids.
Mind – Having the right mindset, and attitude and being mentally tough.
Body – Looking after yourself, being physically strong and fortified.
Social – Aligning yourself with the right people and being selective about who you listen to.
Spiritual – Recognizing and respecting a higher power.
Lead by example.
Let them do as you do.
You’re more resilient than you know.
‘Raising Resilience’ Every Monday.