What's Your Legacy?

When we raise our children we must remember that even the seemingly insignificant things have great meaning. Many teaching tools are unspoken acts in which we show them how to live, how to love, how to empathize, how to react. Modeling  the behavior is the most powerful tool that we as parents can utilize. While some fret over what to say, be just as mindful as to how to say it or how to show it.

 I am sure that no child will care whether you describe  copulation and reproduction as an ovum and a sperm meeting for tickle time, or what mommy and daddy do when they love each other.  The gentleness in which we advise, the care that we show in not making them feel uncomfortable, the engagement of the child in the the conversation or activity are all vital in the rearing of great human beings. Be cognizant. Be interested. Teach them how to be loving by showing them love. You can't feign that, saying I love you is not enough.  Showing that you are genuinely interested in them is what you should be doing. It doesn't make you a great parent if you put your kid in football or cheer leading.. It makes you a great parent if you attend those games or that cheer leading competition. You HAVE to be their biggest supporter and advocate.

 When you advocate  for your child you are showing them they are worthy, when you are supporting their dreams it shows them you believe in them. When you sacrifice for them you are teaching them humility. When you openly  openly apologize for an error you may have made you are showing them accountability.

While it is true that most parents subscribe to the "Do as I say, not as I do" mentality, they are the last ones to know that their kid stopped believing the hype when they were old enough to discern right from wrong. Any parent that thinks a child isn't aware of their hypocrisy needs to peel their peepers.  Either that or check into the reality hotel. Kids get it!

Truth be told: The journey that you travel throughout life ends when God calls you home. HOW you travel during your journey is your legacy you leave to your children and that will thrive long after you are gone.