Children: Perhaps you’re a parent. Perhaps you’re an aunt or uncle. Perhaps you just associate with people who have kids of their own. Regardless of how you’re related, the way we interact with the children in our lives makes a significant impact on their lives. Are you setting a good example? How can you nurture the next generation?
Children notice a lot of things. A LOT. Even when we don’t think they’re paying attention, they’re soaking up their surroundings. Whenever I go to work, I try to treat the children I encounter with the same level of respect I would their adult counterparts — and perhaps even a little more. I’ve seen them empty a baggy full of coins on the counter, and I’ve made the effort to help them count it out so they’re not just paying for their stuff. They’re also learning on the fly. When it comes to my own little brood, I try to nurture and honor their different interests and hobbies. They’re only going to have so much longer before they have to leave the nest and become responsible adults, so they should have room to enjoy youth while they’ve still got it. Each of us was once a child, and I really don’t get that grouchy, child-loathing mindset some adults have. We had to grow up, and we should treat our future doctors, lawyers, and service workers with respect. Because they’ll notice this, they’ll have an example of how to behave as an adult. The more positive encouragement you give a child, they more chance they’ll follow your lead and help make the future a little bit better.
Yes. I totally agree! Too often I see people talk down to children and it aggravates me to no end. They are so smart and so full of life and information to share. We can learn a lot from our children, if only we listen. 🙂 Love this.
Tracy Mangold recently posted..#cultivate15 – Significant Others – Day Nine