Set an Example: Our Children are Our Mirrors

Posted on Apr 27 2015 - 1:14pm by Aubrey

mirrors

This parenting thing isn’t always easy. Everyday we are confronted with new challenges and situations, many of which are things we could’ve never prepared for…but nonetheless, life happens and you just figure it out along the way. As moms and dads we have a huge responsibility on our shoulders, to raise children who will be happy, healthy and productive members of society. We want to prepare them and give them the tools to be successful and achieve any dream – big or little, that their hearts desire.

Well, I by far am not a “perfect” parent or person, nor do I think I know it all…and I certainly don’t have the answers for everything, but I do the best I can every single day. I do it for myself, my children and for the people with whom I surround myself. So, last week when I was “bullied” online by presumably another mother – her profile photo showed her and a small child, not only was I insulted, but it sickens me to think of the negative example she is setting for her child(ren).

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Long story short, I am an on-air TV Host. For whatever reason, we (media folks) become open targets for criticism by the public, and with the rise of social media, people have become increasingly outspoken (good and bad), to the point where it’s not surprising to be nit picked and pulled apart for our looks, the way we talk or for any other number of reasons. Well, I had posted a “fun” video on our show’s FB fan page, teasing our viewers about the upcoming segment I was pulling together to show cool “baby gear,” and I jokingly said I had to figure out how to assemble a high chair, and that it would eventually be given away to a lucky viewer. Sure enough, a “not nice” person left a comment basically saying that “if Aubrey put it together, I would re-do it.” I immediately saw it, and thanked her for her support (or lack thereof), replied that I have 2 toddlers and am very skilled at assembly…and then evidently she deleted her nasty comment. Maybe I should have taken a screen shot…

Why she believed she was entitled to publicly make that judgement about me, I have no idea. At any rate, not only did her unnecessary comment insult me, but to think that she is a (fellow) mother and that is the type of example she is setting for her kids, is nothing short of disturbing. It made me think of all the ways in which our children are our mirrors. Plain and simple, they are a reflection of who we are in every way.

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Think about it, they watch our every movement and repeat what they see. We are their example, the blueprint for navigating this crazy world. Our words, power and influence in their lives start from even before they enter this world, and will have a lasting impression on their entire lives. You hear the cliches, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” “he is his mother’s child,” “monkey see, monkey do,” etc… The list goes on.

From the ways in which we think, behave and love, to our tastes in food, culture and pastimes, all of it has so much to do with where we come from, who we looked up to and what we were exposed to. So, I started to consider all the ways in which my children may follow in my footsteps and how very important it is for me to be what I want them to be. I take this responsibility seriously, and I can only hope everyone else does too, because if we want the world and the future to be a better place for our children, the change and the beginning…all starts with us.