Our Children Are Mirrors

      If someone were to describe you what traits would you be recognized for? I mean truly what would your co-workers say about you? Your friends and family? Who do they see you as? If we then had someone describe your child this same way what words would be used? Would your child's teacher praise them as kind and caring? A dependable leader? Or would the words strong willed or class clown more adequately be used? It's true they are still young and growing so that can change, but who they are right now turns into the adult they will become. That's powerful. That shapes there entire future so it makes you wonder is there a link between who you are and who they are becoming?

     The truth is our children are mirrors. They don't just share our genetics, they reflect our gestures, our language, our point of view, and our strong character traits. The fact that modeling is such an effective teacher can be great news for us as parents. It means that our child will learn simply by observing. They will see how you carry yourself in the world and they will try to emulate that. But modeling can also be a very unforgiving teacher. For it teaches a child your best and worst behaviors indiscriminately, the ones you carefully practice and the one's you're barely aware of. These behaviors and habits then become a part of the foundation that carries them into adulthood. 

     If we view parenting in this light it is easy to see that the problem and the solution lies within us. So how do we ensure we are modeling the best traits we can for our children? I mean we all know we have to prepare our child to face the increasing responsibilities that accompany adulthood. But how do we make that leap? 

     The secret lies in teaching them to be dependable through our words, actions, and deeds. Dependability, whether it is at work, home, school, or on the football field, quickly makes you one of the most valuable team members in a group. It makes you stand out above the rest and leads to positive recognition that can push you forward in every aspect of your life. And it definitely doesn't happen overnight. Raising dependable little warriors takes time. It is a lesson that will require a whole lot of patience, persistence, and most importantly a great example from you. And it is pivotal to their future success. So here are some great ways to foster dependability in your home...

Nurture their willingness to help:

     Kids (especially the younger ones) love to help! We are their heroes and they want to be just like us. So let them help (even if it adds time to your daily tasks) because they are trying to be like you. And that can be an amazing thing. They may not master the task immediately, but it is an excellent exercise in initiative and with encouragement they will begin to take pride in their ability to help others. That sense of pride in a job well done then in turn becomes a pride in being reliable and counted upon (i.e. dependability!)

Everyone does chores:

     Chores are great because they foster a culture of responsibility. They help make dependability the normal atmosphere of the home. Those norms then become ingrained in your child's character and guides them as they head out into the world as adults. So start with something small. Give chores a chance to teach that we all depend on each other in a family unit and that everyone (no matter their capabilities) has a role to play and is valuable. As the child masters these smaller obligations, their capability and belief in their ability to manage greater tasks increases and is regularly exercised. 

Model dependability in everything you do:

     This is the hardest one Warrior parents. Because modeling is how our little ones learn the commonly touted "do as I say, not as I do" won't be enough when it comes to raising a Warrior. So if you want these things to be important to your child, you have to live up to the same standard. To nurture their willingness to help, we have to be an example of that selfless willingness to aid others. We have to follow through on the commitments we make, no matter how big or small. Even if unexpected inconvenience or sacrifice is now required. It is the only way for our children to recognize the importance of being dependable and keeping the promises they make.

     Raising a warrior begins and ends with us Warrior parents. So if you don't love the 'reflection' you see in your little one, take a peek at yourself and those consistently around them. Odds are they're modeling these behaviors from one of us, so be careful.

#RaiseAWarrior