Just Like You

Audio By Carbonatix

Parents, I have a simple question for you: If your children grow up and behave just like you and attempt to follow your example, or if they were clones of you and your life, would you be proud? Most of us want our kids to grow up to be truly awesome adults. When we examine our own lives in view of that statement, I think our tendency is to reflect on our own image and say, “Okay, I didn’t turn out so great, but maybe my kids will.” What if we, in our minds, were to erase that image like a child does on an Etch-a-sketch screen?

Let’s start with a clean slate by saying, “I know I haven’t always been the best example for my children, but I want to be going forward. I want to seek to set an example so that my children will be encouraged to want to be just like me.” It’s hard to argue with that approach! So, let’s work on doing that, starting today.

The follow up question is simple: What does that mean for me? I know what it means for Dan Seaborn, but I’m asking you to consider what it means for your life. Think about it in the context or framework of looking at your children as if they were you and consider what little adjustments or changes you would make. If everything about your life was exposed for everyone to see, what things would you want to eliminate out of embarrassment or shame?

My challenge to you is that while I’m working on my shortcomings, would you be willing to work on yours? I think if we all agree to clean the surface of our own mirrors and work to improve the image that reflects back to us, our children will grow up having learned characteristics and behaviors that make us proud. Our everyday life with them will also progress to where we feel like we are consistently winning at home.