Thank-you

As a parent one thing I’m continuously reminded of is what a powerful role model I am.  Our kids watch and copy our words and actions all the time.  Sometimes they copy things we would rather they not copy.  Sometimes our efforts to be a positive role model pay off.

Back in the early 70’s when I was training to be an early childhood educator I learned a whole new way of being with children.  I had some excellent teachers and some wonderful sponsor teachers in my practicums.  I often heard teachers saying “thank-you” to preschoolers.  I would hear things like:  “Thank-you for listening” or “Thank-you for sharing” or “Thank-you for picking up the toys.” 

It just felt right to me to be  considerate and kind to young children.  When I had my own I automatically knew to thank them for small things because by that time I had taught many young children and had been saying it a lot.  It was a habit.

My children are now soon to be 19 and 21.  No, they’re not perfect. They’re quite normal young adults.  Both of them are very good about saying thank-you.  They will say things like “Thanks for picking up my dry cleaning” or “Thanks for dinner Mom” or “Thanks for coming with me” or “Thanks for your help”.  It’s heart warming.  I know it’s a habit because it’s been role modeled.  I now can say “thank-you” to the people who were such a positive influence on me when I was training to be a preschool teacher.