Yesterday, I did something drastic. I tried to read. An actual book. While my baby - err, toddler - was awake.
I had been reading during naptime, and she was playing on the floor, and I really just wanted to finish the book, so I figured I'd give it a shot. And do you know what she did?
She looked at me, crawled over to her shelf, picked up a book, and started flipping through it.
Wow. So,apparently, she's watching.
(Okay, before you are all jealous, she did that for about 2 minutes before crawling back over to me and climbing on my head. But that's not the point right now.)
I guess I've always known that she was watching everything I did. I guess I've always realized that the things I did were setting an example. But suddenly in that moment, her tapping away on her Fisher Price laptop with both hands didn't seem as cute.
I try to play with her. I try to make her healthy food. I read to her. I sing to her. But what am I really teaching her?
If I want her to be a reader, she needs to see me reading. If I want her to eat well, she needs to see me eating and cooking well. If I want her to take care of herself, to feel good about herself, to lead a healthy and successful life? I may need to reconsider the way I'm living mine.
awwww.. she loves her mama :)
ReplyDeleteJust wait until she starts trying to repeat words. Changes your vocabulary REAL quick!
Super great point. I usually read after Jackson's in bed. I don't usually try when he's around. But I guess I should! Thanks for the insight!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a powerful bit of knowledge isn't it! I have seen so much of myself, my actions, my responses in my kids that I am amazed and, occassionally, ashamed.
ReplyDeleteI try very hard to be a good example. I make certain that my kidlets know that I am heading to the gym because it is good for my health. I happily will share my salad if they ask. But I know that I have also shared with them my not so pleasant responses to challenges. I am working to fix that.
From what I can tell, you already set a pretty darn good example for BG. Certainly you are not perfect, but you are showing her that it is okay to not be perfect, perfection is not the goal . . . happiness and contentment are.
It is amazing what they pick up. I have a nine year old and a 3 year old and it's interesting the things the 3 year old does sometimes. She has started acting out and having tantrums just like her brother and she has also learned how to sing rap this week, which was just way too cute!
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What a good reminder! And with that, I am off to exercise!
ReplyDeleteThat's a super good reflection right there :) And now you have an excuse to read more often ;)
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. I try to stay off the computer when she's awake b/c I feel like it's competing with her.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest is 2 1/2 and i have just now attempted to start reading again. It takes me forever to finish a book but I feel like I'm reclaiming a little bit of my old life when I do.
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