When It comes to parenting, we have heard the common saying “More Is Caught Than Taught”. How many moms out there believe that? I certainly do.

I have been raising  4 children now for the past 6 years, and I can see me in them so much. I can see the good and the bad sides of me in their personalities. Yep, I’ll admit it, my flaws are caught by my children, and they start to pick up on things that I never thought they would even notice.

I explain to my girls over and over what good behavior looks like, what our house rules are and what we, as Bradley’s, should present ourselves like. But sometimes those words aren’t enough. I, as their mom, really need to set the example of what a Bradley girl is.

“Your Child Will Follow Your Example Not Your Advice.”

I can read them the Bible over and over again, I can teach them about Jesus’ character and how Jesus would handle tough situations, explain to them the rules and values of our home using a fun picture board, but if I don’t set a great example for what I expect them to be like on a daily basis, than how can I expect them to be any better?

It has happened on occasion where my daughter has slipped out a kind word in an attempt to correct me when she catches me doing something that I recently taught them not to do. Yes, I’m not perfect and I have made mistakes as a mom. I am proud of her for understanding what’s right and wrong, but I know it’s not my daughter’s role to be the authoritative one in the house.

 Our Duty As Moms

It is my job as a mom to act in good standing and good character, the way I want my girls to be as Bradley girls. It would be wrong if I said one thing and completely lived my life another way. That’s not being honest, that’s not having integrity. I’m not being genuine if that’s how I lived my life.

If I want my kids to eat healthy, than I need to set a good example and eat healthy too. If I want my kids to develop a good habit for exercising, then I need to show them what it’s like to have a workout routine in place.

Lead By Example, Not By Words

I would love to hear what kinds of things your parents taught you growing up, but taught you by example rather than words. What stuck out the most to you in your upbringing? What characteristics do you admire the most about your parents that you share with them?

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Jena Bradley, DPT

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-Jena