Seeing Double:

Seeing Double:

How Kids Mirror Our Every Move 👥🔍

I’ve always wanted to do…everything. As a child my mother did a great job of letting me try my hand at a lot of different things… I enjoyed most. Hated some. But I loved to experiment. Somethings I quit too early, or because of some extenuating circumstance, wasn’t able to continue (What a Violinist I would have been). 

Nonetheless all of those experiences shaped me. These days when thinking about what I want for my girls….lets just say I have an idea: Sports- Tennis and Golf, Languages: Spanish, German, Sign. Education: MIT, Dartmouth, all while knowing degrees aren’t the only path to success. Relationships - Like in everything, buck the norm. Happiness above all else!

Well recently I’ve been trying to figure out how to introduce our Toddler to the ideas of these things. I’ve bought Racquets, balls, baby laptops, sciency stuff. I’ve tried introducing different foods and sports, things I would love to see her excel at. Some things take, some things, not at all.

I see the social media posts, the viral videos of kids being amazing in various disciplines. Hittling balls or throwing spinning backfists like they’ve been here before. So how do I get my child to that place?! How do I get my amazing video?!

Well Villagers, this week, we unfold three stories from different households, all tethered by one common thread: the power of example. The names have been changed.

Act One: A Silent Rendezvous with the Thompsons. 📚

"It was a usual Saturday in the Thompson household, the sun kissed our living room floor, and my newest novel beckoned. As I settled into our reading nook, Sarah, our 4-year-old, approached, clutching her toy rabbit, probably expecting our usual game of tag.

But I was determined. Determined to inoculate a love for reading in her. Instead of my usual reaction, I opened my book wider, and then something magical happened. Sarah, looking slightly perplexed, went to her room and returned with a picture book. She nestled beside me, flipping through pages, mimicking my every move. We spent hours in silence, bonding over words and pictures.

It was then I realized: My baby didn’t need my words. She needed my actions."

Tip: Looking to start a reading habit? Find a collection of toddler-friendly books here.

Act Two: The Garcia Chronicles: A Culinary Odyssey. 🥦

"I was at my wits' end. Every dinner was a battlefield, with broccoli being the enemy. Miguel would poke at it, move it around, but never taste it. And then, one evening, I decided to take a different approach.

I didn’t force or bribe him. I simply began to relish my own greens, sharing animated tales of my childhood adventures with these 'tiny trees'. I spoke of how each 'tree' had its story and made it a game to create our own tales. I was met with laughter, curiosity, and to my surprise, a young boy willing to try.

That night, we both learned a lesson. Food was more than a meal; it was a story, an adventure. And I was the narrator, setting the scene."

Tip: If your dinner table resembles the Garcia's, try this creative cookbook to turn things around.

Act Three: Through the Eyes of the Kims - A World in Colors. 🌈

"Suzy was a storm of feelings. One moment she'd be laughing, the next in tears, and words failed her. It was hard, watching her struggle to convey her emotions.

Then, an idea. What if emotions were colors? On a particularly challenging day, I took out our paint set. As I painted, I shared my feelings, describing my joy as golden and my melancholy as soft blue. Suzy's eyes widened with understanding.

Days turned into weeks, and our emotional landscape grew. Suzy began painting her feelings, expressing her emotions in hues and shades. It wasn’t just about painting, it was about understanding, processing, and sharing."

Tip: Want to teach emotional intelligence? This colorful emotional guide could be your starting point.

So yea… want your child to learn to love? You have to love. Want them to take up Golf? Grab a club.

Mirror Mirror

As we close the chapter on today’s stories, I’m left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the lessons our children teach us, often without uttering a word. Life's teachings aren't found just in grand gestures or momentous occasions; they're in the quiet moments, the silent glances, and the subtle imitations. Our children mirror us, not just our faces, but our spirits, our habits, and our passions.

We embark on this journey of parenthood, thinking we are the teachers, the guides. But time and time again, we find that we are also students, learning the profound lessons of love, patience, and self-discovery that our children present to us. They teach us to see the world through a fresher lens, one that is untainted and full of hope.

So, parents, as you go about your week, remember that every action, no matter how small, leaves an imprint on these tender souls. Let’s strive to be the kind of person we hope our children become. Because in the end, it’s not just about raising children; it’s about raising ourselves too.

Stay strong, stay connected, and most importantly, stay present. For in these fleeting moments, the most profound lessons are learned.

Sending you the same strength I need to get off the couch one more time!

CPO - Chief Parenting Officer

Andrew

P.S. Our community thrives when we share, connect, and grow together. I invite you to share your own stories, your successes, your stumbles. Let’s lift each other up. 💌🌟

Hey Parents! If you’re in need of some extra help around the house… If you’re losing yourself in laundry or boxes long overdue to be unpacked.. or if you can no longer see the back of your refrigerator, closet, or pantry… Our parent company, Village, provides on-demand assistance so you can focus on the things that are most important. Click the link to find out more! 😀 

Dad Joke:

Q: How can you tell if a Pig is hot?

A: Its Bacon