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Health & Fitness

Raising The Bar, While Raising Our Children...

       This AM, I read a post , on Facebook, which stated, very, simply, 'Be the person you want your child to be.' There is another, quote, that I've held onto, over the years, which, says, 'If you want your child(ren) to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk.' Naturally, it makes, great, sense to lead by example, especially, when we are raising our offspring, yet, at times, 'life' can get in the way, complicating matters, and, impacting on our children in ways we might never imagine. As a more 'mature' parent, I can look back, over the, close to, three decades of my own 'parenthood', and, certainly recognize where I may have performed less than optimally in my role. Hey, that's the thing about life...we live, and learn; At least, that's the way it's designed for us to do, right? As we, who are parents, know, there is no such thing as 'perfect-parenting', as there is no thing as perfection with regard to our human-selves. However, when parents are blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child, and an impact on him/her, it is our obligation to do the very, best, job we can. I believe that our children are, simply, on loan to us, and, it is our responsibility to assist them in developing to their potential, while we have the opportunity. They are our greatest gift, in life, if we are so fortunate as to have any, through whatever means, be it a child we, ourselves, carry, a child we 'foster', or, one that we adopt. In whichever capacity we are in the company of God's Little Angels, it is our duty to be 'the best we can be', not only for them, but, for ourselves. As wonderfully satisfying as parenting can be, and, is, it is, also, quite frustrating and stressful, at times, most, particularly, when our children are going through 'those' stages. I have made many observations, over the years, and, discovered this fact; that, often, when we find ourselves upset with our children, due to a behavior being displayed, we might, just, recognize ourselves, a bit, in their actions, and, not like what we see. Because, frequently, when one sees his or her own 'personality' quirks, mirrored back at him or herself, it can be a bit jarring; especially, when the behavior is lacking character. It is in these moments that we ought take a step back, and, ask ourselves why it is, that, our child(ren) is/are behaving in this fashion? Many a time, we might have to do a bit of soul-searching, and, be honest with ourselves in this introspection. When we behave in 'conduct-unbecoming', and, find our children doing the same, these are the 'signs' to pay attention to, and, look to make changes; For, we cannot hold our children accountable for behavior(s) that we, ourselves, practice. Hey, remember, that, 'What's good for the goose is good for the gander', or, should I say goslings? Just Sayin'...

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