Your Message Board

If you were to wear one around your neck, what would you want it to say?  Me?  That I lived an ‘authentic life.’

Yes, that means doing as I do.  Not doing as I say.  BIG difference.  While your toddler is in the back seat, are they watching you cut off and flip off drivers?  Because for 16 years, this is what they will observe.  So, don’t be surprised when you try to teach them to be a courteous driver; they are doing what they observed you do.

And, while on the subject, do you tell your school-aged children to be patient with their friends while you race your shopping cart past the slower shoppers to get in line?

How about the parent who is encouraging her child to get along better with his sister while she doesn’t talk to hers?

I understand that it is VERY difficult to live up to all that we encourage our kids to do.  After all, life is much more complicated than the saying, “Can’t we all just get along?”

So, my advice (and there is always some) is work on becoming more aware of your behavior and actions.  Work on mending relationships when possible.  And, always remember that children, young and old are sponges when it comes to their parents.  They truly are a Mini-Me.

So, if you were walking around the neighborhood with a sandwich message board around your neck, what would you want yours to read? Hopefully, NOT, “Here walks a hypocrite.”

Thoughts?