Leading by Example

My Baby & Me

by Stacy Kelley

You know every time I come home from work, or for the weekend, or simply just wake up it seems my baby is learning more and more.  He has gone from saying Da Da Da to Mom, to actually learning words and calling people by name.  My baby is 18 months old and is actually saying his one, two, three’s and a, b, c’s.  Learning in babies seems to be just and amazing concept to me and I am enjoying every second of it.  It seems that I can’t teach enough which brings me to my point.  As a parent, being a good leader, example, and action oriented person has got to be of crucial importance.   Witnessing my baby learning things so quickly leads me to believe that he is watching my every move as well.  I sit sometimes and observe him watching Mommy cook, or watching Daddy shower, eat, or even go to the bathroom.  He is truly just amazed by the most simplistic things to me, yet he is trying to learn and will eventually want to do things just like Mommy and Daddy.  This is where leading a good, action oriented life, will help in picking up good habits and I am of the opinion it is never to early to start.  For example, something as simply has having a potty mouth as a parent, will lead to your baby repeating words that you say.  Funny story – I called my brother-in-law a bad name and now my 18 month old simply thinks that is his name!!!  Can you believe it…it is funny…but in reality it is bad.  As parents we have to watch every move we make as our baby’s eyes and ears are always on point.   It is odd to see such a little guy following in footsteps.  So I often think to myself, what can I do different which would allow my little guy to be a better person when he grows up?  My conclusion was simple…be a better person myself.  Things started coming to mind like giving up saying bad words, bad habits, going to church, walking straight and upright, being honest, loving my other children and wife with kisses and hugs, working hard, and spending a lot of time with my family.  If you were to ask me what I would want my baby to be, these are the things that come to mind, so why not do these things myself as the leader of my household!  Makes perfect sense… right?   Good luck to all of you in regards to being leaders and making the best of your time with your baby’s learning!