This morning I went for a run. I left the kids at home.
I told them I’d be gone for about 45 minutes, and I gave them two simple directions:
Do your jobs, and don’t kill each other.
I ran a little over four miles. It was some alone time and some brain therapy and some sweat therapy and time to just think and blow off steam.
I returned home feeling tired, but energized. Like my brain had been wiped clear, and I was ready to address the rest of the day.
As I was walking up to the front door, Number 5 and 7 came walking toward me, sweaty and out of breath. “Mommy! We worked out just like you!” they said proudly.
They were so cute.
They had their “workout clothes” on.
And they very enthusiastically described every part of their workout.
They explained how they ran around the perimeter of the yard a bunch of times and then they did some other stuff and now they were coming inside to get a drink and then they were going to jump in the pool to cool off.
I stood there, impressed.
And proud.
As happy as I was, it was a big reminder from the Universe.
If you think your kids aren’t watching you, you are wrong.
If you think you aren’t their biggest role model, you are wrong.
When you are running yourself into the ground, they are watching.
When you are allowing yourself some down time, they are watching.
When you are disrespectful to your spouse, they are watching.
When you give your husband a hug every day when he walks in the door, they are watching.
When you are filling your body with garbage, they are watching.
When you are sitting down as a family to eat, they are watching.
When you are unpredictable and erratic, they are watching.
When you are consistent and dependable, they are watching.
When you are constantly blaming other people for your failures, they are watching.
When you take responsibility for your problems, they are watching.
When you communicate by yelling, screaming, and losing self-control, they are watching.
When you are kind and firm, they are watching.
When you are staring at your phone, they are watching.
When you are staring at them, they are watching.
When you aren’t taking care of your body, they are watching.
And, as I was reminded today, when you are taking care of your body, they are watching.
So do them — and yourself — a favor.
And give them something good to watch.
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I love this. Thanks for sharing. I know how true this is as kid number 3 for me observes not only me but everyone he sees. Kids lead by example and we as parents must show them the proper channels in life.
Thank you for this. I really needed this reminder today.
I love this. Thank you for the reminder!