INSPIRATION THIS WEEK: RODNEY ATKINS- "WATCHING YOU"

You don't have to be a country fan like me to understand this Rodney Atkins song "Watching You", but I felt it was a fun, endearing way to get the point across...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uzK3VwzraM&fbclid=IwAR3qp6LyGRwR3IILDwdP4OlYJYV7LBiBZFkze1n4eUt99gdHbKbKVkPmoWo

THEME OF THE WEEK: WHAT ARE YOU MODELING FOR YOUR KIDS?

Our children are always watching us and observing our behavior. The younger they are, the more likely it is we are one of very few models, or maybe even the only models for how to think, feel, and act.

So when the little ones see mama running around haggered, drained, and losing her cool constantly, they're learning. They're learning this is normal. They are learning that they must go go go and never stop. They are learning that the toys strewn across the room make mommy mad and this magical rectangle object (her phone) seems to be the only thing that keeps her attention.

And then they want our phones because it seems so intriguing. They make mommy mad because mommy pays attention for a minute. And they yearn for those smiles on mom because it makes them feel safe and loved. So how do you want to be seen ? What do you want your little "buckaroo" to learn ? How often do they see joy and peace versus pain and frustration?

In essence, being "selfish" by taking what we need to fill our cup is actually an act of good modeling for our children. Our children will learn that self-care is important, it makes us kinder and more loving, and will grow to do that for themselves.

CHALLENGE THIS WEEK: BE THE PERSON YOU WANT YOUR KIDS TO BE

So let's make a commitment today to do one thing that fulfills us and observe not only the change in our own emotional state, but watch how our kids respond. We are doing them a favor too!