Let's face it. Kids sniff out phoniness faster than a bloodhound after a bank robber.
Youngsters assume their observations on How Adults Really Live are way more accurate than the frequent parental blah, blah, blahs they hear.
Every day situations provide built-in object lessons that prove (to them, at least) whether we mean what we tell them.
No wonder they stay alert, ready to pick up on how Mom (and Dad) respond in one situation or another.
* A cashier gives Mommy change for a $20-dollar bill when she paid with a ten-spot.
* Mom falls for a gorgeous pair of shoes--another gorgeous pair of shoes. She leaves the bag in the car until her husband goes off to a meeting, then hides the shoes in the back of the closet. Some time later she wears them and Dad says, "New shoes?"
* A casual friend calls about going out to lunch and Mom answers, "Sorry, I'm already committed for the day," which isn't true.
* Mother takes Daughter shopping and finds the perfect prom dress, one that fits like a dream. Miracle of miracles, both of them like the same dress. On the way home reality hits. That dress cost twice as much as Mother planned and it has to go back. So she delivers the sad news. "Honey, we have to take this dress back."
Daughter replies, "Oh, no problem, Mom. I'll just tuck the price tag inside and wear the dress Saturday night. Then Monday we take the dress back to the store and you get all your money back. That's what all the girls do."
What's a mother to do?
Over and over we choose how we deal with life. Our choices determine which lessons our children take away. If our actions back up our words they learn one lesson. If not, we teach another.
Tough, but true, 24/7.
Whenever we lose heart it's good to remember that moms and dads hold a unique position, even today. In every survey teens still say their parents are the biggest influence in their lives. That means we impact the next generation, too.
Sounds to me like an honor and a privilege, reason to celebrate, every day.
How about you?
Lovingly,
Lenore
