Monday, March 19, 2012

Teaching kindness




I have a teacher's heart, and there's so much I want to teach my precious little girl. I want to teach her to sign. I want to teach her to read. Sometimes I want to teach her to say "Mike Wazowski" like Boo from Monsters inc.

But mostly? I want to teach her to be kind.

I want to raise a tiny human who knows how to treat everyone around her with love and respect. Who takes care of other people. Who helps. Who knows that right and wrong are about more than just following the rules.

And you know what?

I'm doing it.

My 18 month old shares.

She helps me clean the house (you should see her with a broom).

She gives her stuffed animals to daddy when he's sitting on the couch by himself.

She comforts people who look sad.

She hugs everyone and everything.

She is the sweetest person I have ever met.

And I know why. I want to say that I'm lucky, but the truth is, I know that no matter how many things I get wrong, I am getting the right things right. She knows how to love and how to be loved, how to help, and how to give because it's what she's seen. Because it's how I live my life.

I used to worry about how I would teach her empathy, how I would make sure she never became a bully. I don't worry as much anymore.

In my life, I've been a good student, a good teacher, a good friend. I've done a lot of work that I'm really proud of. But my life's work now? This small person who looks like me? Makes me prouder than any of it.

I'm linking up with Charity for the Mother's Pride Carnival. What are you proudest of as a mother?

10 comments:

  1. this is SO beautiful. and good for you for believing in yourself enough to know that YES, her kindness is a result of you and the way you live your life!! absolutely!! good job, mama!

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  2. You are indeed getting the right things right. You should be proud. I'm, so glad you are.

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  3. My favorite part: I want to say that I'm lucky, but the truth is, I know that no matter how many things I get wrong, I am getting the right things right.... Because it's how I live my life.

    You said it, sister. We are our children's role models.

    And you are kicking ass. xoxo

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  4. I love this. "But mostly? I want to teach her to be kind." You are modeling for her how you want her to treat others, and you are doing a fantastic job.

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  5. Good for you! Being a oarnet is so hard but all those things that you are teaching her, are the ones that are important. You don't teach kindness and empathy, you model them.

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  6. There is no way that BG could NOT be kind . . . her mother is one of the kindest people that I have bumped into in life!
    Jenn

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  7. Oh honey, this was right on. BG sees love in YOU and she's learned from that.

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  8. That is so lovely to hear about your daughter! My little girl is about the same age and she likes sharing too. You have been a terrific role model for your little one :)

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  9. You are doing beautifully my friend...and she will also learn all of that by example too.
    You definitely should be so proud of yourself.
    xoox

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  10. GREAT JOB MAMA! Thank you for writing this in just the way I meant for the carnival to be--saying what you are doing right, what you are proud of.

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