My mother always said, “Do as I say not as I do.” Well this is one thing I do not continue with my own children. I demonstrate by doing what I say or by just doing in order to teach them.
I want my children to be healthy. I am more active today then I have ever been in my life. I eat healthier but show that treats are okay as long as that is not all you eat. I am hoping to be the model of how to live with balance.
I push myself more in my physical activities. I run the 5K to show my children that it can be done. Without my kids I really do not know if I would even try. I grew up and still am at times a true introvert, in having my children I became braver. I always had a strain of daringness in me but never really pursued it. I now do try those new activities that I always thought, “One day I would like to try that…”
I go zip lining, I hold the cockroaches and tarantula when the reptile man comes and I volunteer to be the keeper for a soccer team I joined. Again I set the example for my children. I believe this to be so true that it is always in my thoughts affecting every choice I make, from the radio station we listen to in the morning to how I react to other drivers while I drive. My actions are my example. I take the time to show my children to take time for others.
When their school does a food drive, I go and buy extra cans, I fundraise for charities and if their teacher needs help, I try to do what I can. I know I could do more but I am expecting my children to go beyond my efforts. I also take time for myself. I want my kids to know that it is okay to do good for yourself too. Again, I hope I am setting an example of how they can balance helping others and taking care of themselves.
Sometimes it is overwhelming if I think of what a huge example I am for my children. There are still times when I do not use the most appropriate language or still do lose my patience; I am no saint by far. In those times that I fail or am not such a “good” example, I try really hard to either say I am sorry or admit to them my mistake. In doing so, I trust they learn from my misjudgements.
My children are my responsibility, so I think twice about my choices. We all know that this is what we are supposed to do but for me, motherhood holds me accountable and makes me ponder before I do. For now I think I am doing a good job. My children are complimented on how well behaved they are and they do well in school. I am very proud of them. I am doing my best to set a good example, in the hopes that my children will be able to do their best.
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