On Saturday, I was sitting on the floor in our TV room watching college basketball. Hugh Michael and Haley were playing and the three of us were fairly preoccupied with our activities. At some point, I looked over at Hugh Michael, our four-year-old, and I was surprised at what I saw.
He too was watching basketball. He too was leaning up on his elbows and he too had his feet crossed…right foot over left foot. That’s right, he was sitting just like me. And he continued to watch me…mimicking my every move. Haley was doing the same.
Wow, I thought, how long had they been watching me? Were they watching when I cussed out the referee? Were they watching when I threw the remote in anger. And were they watching when my wife brought me a drink, but I failed to say thank you because I was so into the game?
It’s right then that I realized we have two impressionable young children on our hands. They are veritable lumps of clay who will turn out in the ways we mold them. Great. Just great. Now I really do have to mind my Ps and Qs (as my grandmother used to say).
As I pondered my fate, I thought about what our kids needs to learn…and a few of the things I hope they pick up along the way.
First, the obvious…
Good manners — Yes sir, no sir, yes m’aam, no m’aam, thank you and please. Folks say we southerners are sticklers for such idioms and I agree. It just sounds good…particularly when addressing one’s elders.
Good eatin’ — Eat lots of fruit, vegetables and anything that comes out of grandma’s kitchen. If you restrict yourself to McDonald’s Happy Meals and doughnuts from Krispy Kreme, not only will you hit 400 pounds and only live to be 35, but you’ll miss out on fresh turnip greens, twice-baked potatoes, asparagus with a liberal spread of hollandaise sauce and every kind of seafood imaginable.
Get outside and stay there — Today’s video game, television on-demand world is for the birds. Outside is where the action is (and the birds are). Grab your buddies and build a fort…play army man, cops and robbers, anything to get the blood flowing. Ride a bike. Fly a kite. Challenge your next door neighbor to a foot race. Get good and sweaty…you’ll feel better and you’ll sleep well at night. And when you are older, keep up the physical activity; it will keep you young.
Keep the faith — I don’t talk much about religion on this blog, but I value my Christian faith. Hugh Michael and Haley have been in church since the time they were born…and I hope they keep it that way. More than a habit, it’s a way of life — while recognizing that none of us are perfect.
And a few more…
Read, read, read — Both of our children love books. We read three or four before bedtime each night. I hope they keep it up. Reading opens the door to new worlds. It expands one’s vocabulary. And it gives you interesting tidbits to share at cocktail parties. And don’t just read the easy stuff, like the latest John Grisham novel (although I do LOVE Grisham). Read history, a little science and the literary classics. And a subscription to the Sunday New York Times is a must!
Travel — I’ve had the good fortune to travel to lots of cool places in our country. My favorite is California…whether it’s the beaches of Malibu, the pace of LA, the laid-back atmosphere in Napa Valley or the incredible beauty of Pebble Beach, California is awesome. My one regret, though, is that I’ve never spent much time overseas. I missed the backpack through Europe and stay in cheap hostels deal. Get a passport kids!
Take time for yourself — Boy we never hear that often enough! If you’re like me, life moves at an incredibly hectic pace. But take time to take care of yourself — it’s the only self you’ve got. Set aside some quiet personal time to reflect. Get a massage. Indulge with some extra sweets sometimes BEFORE dinner. Whatever it takes to put your mind at ease and relax.
Watching my kids watch me really is a thrill. I know they loves me and I enjoy teaching them new things. And I’m more mindful to explain what I’m doing as I drive the boat, bait a hook or cook on the grill. They’re like little sponges taking it all in…which is why I’ve had to upgrade my vocabulary and switch to milk and water. It’s more healthy and sets a better example.
Wow, maybe this new stage with my kids is teaching me a few things too!
