Jennifer at Chaos 2 Peace asked me to be a part of her Makeover Monday series. I wrote a post a year ago regarding watching my actions around my children. As I have witnessed both my words and actions being mimicked, I realized the importance of watching my words and actions around my girls. It’s an area that needs a constant makeover. I am thankful for God’s grace and forgiveness in my shortcomings!
I watch my three-year-old (now four-year-old) love her teddy bear. She rocks, cuddles, and sings to him. She tells him stories and speaks tenderly to him. She will chat with him for two hours in her bedroom at naptime. She even throws him birthday parties (lots of friends attending…lots of singing) and invites him along on all her adventures.
She shows the love to her little sister too. She reads her books, shares her toys, holds her hand, teaches her manners, and brings her into her imaginative world.
It warms my heart to see that she is learning to nurture and love.
She also scolds, raises her voice, yells, gets frustrated, and shows impatience.
The lines I say to her are repeated to Teddy Bear or little sis. I can hear my tone and frustration level. She mimics my reactions and words.
“Actions speak louder than words.” You hear it all the time, but I don’t think I fully understood until I had children. They pick up on everything. The good and the bad.
Read the rest of my post as part of Jennifer’s Makeover Monday series.
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Katie M. Reid says
My actions have not spoken well this week. It’s been a hard one. So thankful for His grace and courage to keep going. Thanks for linking up with the #RaRaLinkup.
Ginger Harrington says
We never realize just how much our kids are picking up from us until we watch it in living color–the good and the bad.It can be convicting and humbling when you see one of your negative traits coming out their mouths. Linking with you at Holley’s today.
Michelle says
I read this on Jennifer’s site but so very happy you shared today at my party. Pinning it of course!! Happy Thursday!
Emily says
Thanks for pinning, Michelle!
jeremy@thirstydaddy says
We also don’t realize how much they are watching us, even when we don’t realize it
Maria says
Beautiful words, Emily! I’m finding that as my daughter grows old, the more she mimics my mannerisms and tone as well. So now, I’m more conscientious of what I do, what I say and how I say it. I want my daughter to learn kindness and grace, but she won’t if I’m not a good example for her. Thanks so much for this inspirational post, and for joining us this week on #SHINEbloghop!
Valerie says
I’ve heard my kids talking to their dolls the same way…sometimes nice and sometimes not so nice. It’s so true that they pick up on everything and call you on it too!
Rebekah says
I can’t get away with anything. My kids hear and see everything I do. So thankful for God’s grace when I am not the best example! So much truth and encouragement here Emily!
Emily says
Yes! Thankful for His grace & forgiveness. :)
Abi @ Joy In My Kitchen says
Definitely something we need to watch all the time . . . I agree with you that my attitudes and actions are in need of constant makeovers! And thankful too that God’s mercy and grace is fresh all the time, never runs out!
Gwen Amy Little says
Such an important reminder! We lead first by example. Thank you so much for such an eye opener!
Victoria @ Creative Home Keeper says
Just this week I walked in to my son “pretending” to be me and let’s just say, I did NOT like what I heard! This is such a good reminder that they are listening, watching, hearing and soaking in just about everything, even if we don’t think they are. I’m also thankful that God has created them with soft hearts who do love us and hopefully will forget some of those moments when I completely lost it!
Ana (@ANAWINSblog) says
Whenever I see myself come out of my children it is a rude awakening. Even the silly little phrases that we say, they will pick up and start imitating. They really do mirror everything that we do. Good or bad. My oldest even picks up on my moods and will analyze very quickly if he should feel the way or not. It’s scary! We always have to be on our guard.
Jane Allen says
I really appreciate this post. These children watch us, both good and bad. And, they mimic. I’ll admit I’ve not been too intentional with my words around them. I pray the Lord helps me with the much-needed makeover. I’ve made up my mind to be more intentional and I know the Lord will help me. Thanks for sharing!