I write a lot of notes to myself: story ideas, grocery lists, wines to try, blog post ideas…
But the most important things I haven’t been writing down, are the things I want my kids to learn from me by example.
The problem is this: Not only am I not always the most stellar example-maker around, I also have a terrible memory (thus all the lists). I want the best for my kids, but sometimes I just can’t remember to teach the lesson when it arises at times they aren’t by my side.
So I decided to write a list for my son and daughter. I found a scrap of paper in my handbag & started jotting lessons down on it.
It was filled up within a day, so I added more to a piece of notebook paper, then some on my phone, and so on.
I figured what better place to share my list – so far – than right here. A place where people are more than willing to tell me what I forgot to put on it.
Without further ado, here are some lessons I want my kids to learn. Please feel free to add more in the comments – I’ll take any help at this parenting gig that I can get.
What would you add to this list?
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Great list!!
I would add…Private parts are called that for a reason…don’t touch them in public.
Also, when you shake someone’s hand, be sure to look them in the eye as well.
Cheers!
This is so freaking cool! This may be random, but my favorite is “Learn to make people laugh without making anyone cry.”
I want to take this list and, because kids and teens can only focus in on so much, “feature” one item for a week on my fridge. Over Christmas break, I took all my magnetic writing boards off my fridge, and now just write directly on my fridge. The kids find it cool and hey, it gives me more room to “preach it”
Hmmmm, what to add??? “don’t ever stop your flow of tears. if your heart is releasing them, then let them out.”
Love it! Simple tips, but powerful as well. It’s the list I think I try to achieve, but forget to actually teach to the little ones.
Gina Jacobs Thomas (@totallyfullofit) recently posted..The price of beauty: kid manicures…
You got me all teary, girl – love this. Pinning (to Pinterest, and to the front of my kids’ shirts in hopes they’ll absorb the wisdom).
hollow tree ventures recently posted..My Toddler: Genius or Tyrant?
Ask for help when you need it. No one can help you with a problem if they don’t know what the problem is.
I would add:
Say what you mean and mean what you say
When you see a person who has special needs, always say ‘hi’ and if you ever hear someone being mean to them stand up to them.
If there is a kid who is overweight, be nice – that child does not get to choose yet what to eat. Their parents are responsible, so be kind and teach others
Never ever say ‘no’ to your mama no matter how old you are. I still yes to mine.
I loved it!! I would add: Pray Daily and Forgive, always forgive
Found this on Pinterest; mind if I reblog it?
Hi Shelley- Thanks so much for the compliment.
I prefer my graphic posts not get re-blogged, but shared on social media is always VERY much appreciated. Thanks for asking!
There will always be someone smarter, prettier and wealthier than you. Appreciate what you do have and celebrate it!
Loved it. One thing I want my children to follow growing up, “If you’re thinking something nice about someone.. Just tell them.”
Yes – we get hung up on NOT saying the things that aren’t so nice, that I think we forget to say the good stuff we should be sharing.
I absolutely love this..I worry that I’ll somehow forget to teach these lessons to my little one, but this makes for a wonderful reminder.
‘Admire the stars. Feel small while doing it.’
Thanks much!
Decide to be happy.
P.s…absolutely love this. Thanks for sharing!
choose joy — every single day, choose joy.
I love your list. So many great character lessons that we all need to share. The one and only thing that I would add and that would be Don’t Litter, and it doesn’t hurt to pick up someone else’ litter. I taught this to my children and am now teaching the grand kids. If we could all do this our beautiful country will remand beautiful.