Imitation is the Finest Form of Flattery

Or at least so they say.  As parents know, or will soon learn, their children are very observant and pay attention to everything they do.  Yes, parents - the good and the bad.  

While we are not always able to control our words or reactions in a situation, we must keep our outbursts to a bare minimum.  While your child may not use the same four letter words now, do not be surprised if they do down the road.  And yes, they may also see it on television or in a movie or even at school, but the less negative influences we impart on our children at home the better it is for them.

But they do not just learn the bad, they also learn the good.  Our son loves to "high five."  He thinks it funny and now runs to do it.  He copies our sounds (tries to copy our words) and our actions as well.  I sat with my legs crossed the other day and he came sat down next to me and did the same.  He checked to make sure his legs were the same way as mine.  If we put ketchup on our french fries, he wants the same.  If we dip our chicken in sauce, he wants the same - and he makes the dipping motion.  If we laugh, he laughs.  I licked sauce off my fingers without even thinking about it and now he does as well.   

It is not until you actually see your child imitate your actions that you believe they really do it.  But once they do, it is quite endearing.  And it can be funny as well as a good learning experience as well.  I want to be his role model - I want my son to learn from my wife and I.  We just need to make sure that our impact is positive.