The Importance of an Example

As a mother I try to teach my kids to be polite and to live the Golden Rule.  I think there are way too many people who have either never been taught, or are just so completely wrapped up in themselves that they don't care.

I once heard a quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world," and it has stuck with me.  I cannot change others, but I can change me.  I can follow the crowd and be rude and crass, or I can be an example--loving and kind.  I choose the latter.  I am not perfect, and sometimes my temper gets away from me, but the important thing is that I try, even when it may not be convenient for me.

A couple months ago, as Zuri and I were headed into the store, a woman was coming out with several bags.  We had just passed her by when we heard the sound of several items falling to the pavement.  We turned and saw that one of the plastic bags had ripped and all the items in the bag had fallen out.

I went back and helped the woman collect her items, and then continued into the store without another thought.

Zuri is an independent child, and she loves to push the shopping cart around--by herself.  She gets upset if I even have a finger on the cart to help her.  She doesn't have the coordination to maneuver the cart around tight(ish) corners or around some obstacles, which means that I need to be close by to make sure that she doesn't hit or knock over anything (or anyone).  It can sometimes be a contest of patience for me, knowing that it is important to foster the independence, but frustrated with how much longer it takes to get through the store.  It can also be a contest of wills.  "Just let me help with one finger."  --"No, I can do it myself."

That day, Zuri wanted to push the cart by herself and I had her follow me down an aisle.  A woman was bent over looking at a product at the bottom of a rack, and Zuri very politely said "excuse me,"  as she tried to get by.  The woman smiled, surprised and commented about how polite Zuri had been.  Zuri beamed at the compliment.

A few minutes later, down another aisle, I was looking at something when we heard the unmistakable sound of something falling to the ground.  Before I had the chance to say anything, Zuri asked the lady if she was okay and ran over to pick up the item which had fallen.  The lady gave high praises to Zuri.

I was a proud mama to be sure.  I reflected to earlier when I had helped the woman at the entrance.  I realized that even though I didn't realize it, Zuri was watching.  She emulated what I had done.  I am thankful that I took the extra minute to help the woman rather than just walking on.  It is one of those moments when I see how my example directly effects the actions of my child.  How important it is to be the example of the person you would like your child to be!