Do as I say?

Children do not listen to our words as much as they follow our example. How we do things and how we behave is what they learn, and this becomes their instinctive way of doing things.

How do you talk to yourself?

Are you afraid of taking risks? 

What examples are you setting with the relationships you have?

Do you body shame yourself?

Do you sometimes make excuses or blame others for your situation?

If a child is bullied by a parent, they will often exhibit bullying behavior towards others. If a parent is in an emotionally unhealthy relationship, a child will be drawn to that same type of relationship when they get older. If you call yourself 'fat' in front of your children, it's likely they will also 'body shame' themselves. 

These are generally things that we are doing without even realizing it and when little ones see or hear this... that’s what they learn. 

This perspective is NOT to make anyone feel guilty. These behaviors we are modeling are common and they are patterns we are repeating from the way we were raised. Bringing awareness to how we set examples to our children is the first step in breaking the cycle. 

So, talk to yourself a little bit better. Appreciate your flaws. Work on your relationships to model the type of relationships worthy of your children's future. Take responsibility for your actions and learn from your mistakes (nobody's perfect.) Take a chance on yourself, do something brave and courageous that you've always wanted to do.