I’m the mother of a beautiful, busy 16 month old. Everyday SG is trying to do new things and she amazes me each day! I’ve recently noticed something- something that has made me stop and think. SG is becoming my little copycat. She does what I do and she sounds exactly like me! Sweet, but kind of terrifying. I’ll explain.
At first when SG said “Yeah” we thought it was the cutest thing in the world. And then she started saying “Uh-huh” and “Mm-hmm”. We cooed and cheered and she used it even more. Then I tried to get her to say yes and please and it was a no go. Just yeah, mm-hmm, and uh-huh. I was puzzled. My sweet baby refused to say please! Then one day while talking to the Huzz, I caught myself saying yeah. Over the next few weeks, I realized I say yeah, uh-huh, and mm-hmm A LOT. Confession time: I also realized I hardly ever say yes or please! How terrible! Oh, I ask nicely. I promise I do. I just forget to say please. So how can I expect SG to do something I’m not modeling for her? This has really made me think. I’m now trying to say please and yes (or because of my Southern roots, yes m’am).
It’s made me think about other things- mainly the way I react to things. I tend to overreact or screech or just be too loud. I don’t want SG to pick up my bad habits so I’m trying to be a better example for her.
Not everything she’s picked up from me is “bad”- that isn’t the intention of this post. But she is a very accurate mirror for me. She does sweet little things as well- gives lots of hugs and sweet little kisses throughout the day. She tries to mimic the way I brush my teeth as she attempts to move her tiny hand with her Elmo toothbrush across her little teeth. She says “Amen!” when we finish praying together. She pats my back while giving me hugs…all things I do to her, in front of her, or for her.
Whenever I wash my hands, wherever she is, she stops and rubs her little hands together while giving me the biggest cheesy grin in the world. My baby girl is watching me. I want to be a good mother, a Godly mother, to my child. I’m thankful that she has made me reflect on my ways, be they good or bad. And here’s hoping they are good!
Have you seen yourself mirrored in your children? Was what you saw in them what you expected to see? I’d love to hear your stories. Please share!
So, I’m a yeller…at our dogs that is!!! Our one dog barks all the time and it drives me crazy. I find myself yelling, “Benny!!! Shush!” And, M will yell at him too when he’s being loud.
I’m trying to stop the yelling at him…
Megan, Thanks for sharing your story. I can just imagine M fussing at the dogs.
I can completely relate! SG even told our dog “Go away” because I say that to the dog- apparently so much she picked up on it.
I can so relate as I have a 14 month old. I’ve also found that how I react changes things. When I raise my voice or get more exasperated with her for hitting the dog she keeps doing it. The more I stay calm and give a firm “no” rather than a “Oh Zoe, NO!” she tends to walk away from the dog.
And after reading this while changing my daughter’s diaper I found myself saying “please” and “thank you”
Thanks for sharing Jessica! I agree that the way I react is important. If SG takes a small tumble I try not to overreact and when I act fine, she gets up and keeps on playing. When I overreact she cries.
You made me smile reading your last sentence.