I wonder how often I’ve unconsciously influenced someone, in either a positive or a negative direction–when I wasn’t aware of how I was acting, reacting, speaking, or expressing myself through body language. Today’s Thursday Thought quote made me think about that.
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” (Albert Schweitzer)
We all want our opinion heard. If you doubt that, look at postings on social media. You’ll find a multitude of ideas people hold and want desperately to pass on to others, because they know they’re right and want everyone else to know and do right. Today’s Thursday Thought quote gives a different perspective.
Today commemorates D-Day, the largest military action attempted back in 1944. It was successful. But so many lives were lost. And it didn’t end wars. This day makes me think about peace and how we achieve it. I believe that a more peaceful world begins with our children, who will be the caretakers of the future. And with us, their current caretakers.
We can teach them peace in simple ways. Avoid video games, TV programs, and movies that glorify war, violence, torture, and destruction. As parents, we can be an example by working out disagreements without our engaging in a shouting match and certainly without hitting each other. In fact, even hitting or punching each other in jest sends a message to a child that violence is a game. We can find something specific to do when we or our children get very angry, whether it’s listening to soothing music, reading a book, or sitting quietly in a special spot in the garden. Although no single negative action will necessarily create a violent person, replacing any one of them with a positive action heads a child toward a more serene adulthood.
One of the least-loving places we visit is where our child’s team competes. Be it soccer or softball, you’ve sat in the stands, cringing when a parent cusses at the referee or some adult encourages fighting or intentional injury, either directly or indirectly by non-verbal approval when it happens. This can be an opportunity for you to be a good example to your child, the teams, and the adults who aren’t acting like good role models.
There are many things you can do. Ask that man not to use ethnic slurs around your kids. Find something during the game to compliment the small, awkward child on the team.
If your child acts with violence, make sure your language (body and verbal) clearly indicates your disapproval. In front of other adults and the team, express your appreciation to the referee for his time and fairness. When you leave, have your child help you dispose of your family’s trash, plus what was left by people around you. Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open; you’ll find ways to be an example that your kids can look up to.
There’s something wrong with the new Pope. On Holy Thursday he intends to leave the beautiful church provided for him and go to a youth prison for the traditional Mass and foot-washing. He actually thinks that prisoners are people! And doesn’t he realize that kids are of no value until they’re adults? I don’t know about Pope Francis’ misguided actions. After all, he’s the shepherd of his people, who may very well take his example to heart and think that all human life is to be respected. Then where will we be?!
An EXAMPLE of good advice:
