I’m being watched. At all times, I’m being watched. Whether I like it or not, there are eyes on me and all that I do. I’m not always sure how I feel about that.
It’s not what you say, it’s what you do.
As a mom, I’m finding these words couldn’t be more true. My kids make me take a look at the good as well as the not so pretty stuff about me. It’s like they are tiny mirrors that show me my flaws while still seeing the good in me. It can be a challenge to be under that kind of microscope. I want them to see the best of me. I think it’s also important that they know that I’m a real person though, too. Did I mention that it’s a challenge? It is helping me to be a better person. For that, I’m thankful.
There have been a few times lately that it’s been so obvious that I’m being watched. The whole idea came right home recently with my son. He was asking me for an orange. He wanted to peel it himself. I handed it over. He was having a hard time breaking through the thick peel to get it started. He reluctantly handed it back to me – defeated. I peeled it and handed it back to him. As I was giving him the orange, I noticed he already had one – perfectly peeled. I asked him if he had peeled it himself. He proudly told me that he had. He said, “I learned from you. I watched you, Mommy!”
Recently, I’ve been getting back to my old fitness routine. I have been taking better care of myself and making my fitness a priority again. That includes me working out every morning. I have these thirty minute work outs with Jillian Michaels that has been bringing on the sweat.
My daughter has a project to do for those thirty minutes. I hand her some puzzles or play doh or she just plays with her toys. Of course, she can’t spend the WHOLE time doing that. She jumps in and works out with me too. It’s really fun to watch her get involved. It’s at that point that I like that I’m being watched. I like that she’s a witness to me taking care of myself. I’m thrilled that she’s getting to see fitness as a priority.
While working out one day, I was getting worn out with one of the moves. I decided to just half step my way through it. Baby girl wasn’t having that at all. She looked at me and said, “Mama, do like girl!” She called me out! Jillian was demanding high kicks and I just wasn’t getting high enough. I had to step my game up thanks to my little workout partner.
Lesson: Even when you think they aren’t looking, your kids are watching you. The other lesson is to never underestimate the determination of a child. My son and his persistence with the orange is proof of that.
These watchful eyes are what keep me moving. They keep me making progress toward my dreams. Through my daughter watching me work out she’s getting to see fitness as the norm. I love that both of my babies are seeing me pursuing my dreams as normal too. I want them to know that whatever they want is possible. If I can model that for them – even better!
What cool stuff do you think your kids are picking up by watching you?
31 Comments on I’m Being Watched…
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Aww, I love this post. And this lesson. Kids ARE always watching and they are like little sponges, absorbing all information they see.
Jessica Doll recently posted…Apple Picking at Clearview Orchards
It’s so true, the watch everything that we do. I love working out with my kids, so much so that my little baby is trying to do yoga and strength training with me! Its so cute. I think taking care of themselves start at home.
kalleyc recently posted…The Deadly Seven – Pride
My kids definitely repeat after me ALL THE TIME. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…Check Out The New GoPro Action Cameras From Best Buy #GoProatBestBuy
This is a great post! 90% of parenting is teaching by doing. Our kids learn how to live by watching us.
Krystal recently posted…Ultimate Halloween Party Checklist
One of the first things I learned as a mother is that the little ones are ALWAYS watching. I remember once, my son said a less than pleasant word, that I was SURE I’d never said around him.
Dawn recently posted…Undead Skeleton Hand Cupcakes
That is so true. They are always watchiing us and learning from what we are doing.
Dina recently posted…Candy Corn Pudding with TruMoo Milk #recipe #ad #TruMooTreats
Yep this post is right on point! My kids watch everything. They all watch intently to what I’m doing with the baby and I find them mimicking things with him it’s really cute! I always try to watch what I say and do though!
Kids are always watching there parents. Picking up all these little behaviors. I have seen my friends daughter start twirling her hair after seeing her mom do it all the time.
That’s so true! I do have to watch it because my daughter does imitate a lot of what I do. Good and the bad.
I love this post. It is always great to have the reminder that what we do is important in their eyes.
Felicia recently posted…Creepy Bone Sandwich with Blood Dip #KRAFTRecipes
My kiddo is like this. Every time I’m out of site, he says “what are you doing, mutter?”
Nicole recently posted…This is what a sleep study looks like
I don’t think we realize how much our kids really learn from us. Even when we don’t know it, they are learning from us and taking note of the things we do.
I know for a fact that my boys watching me read has helped them find joy in reading. There are also a few things I’m not too proud of that my kids pick up, but I’m trying to fix. Like yelling. I realized I needed to stop yelling when my oldest was yelling at his little brother. I was like, this sounds familiar.
Janel (A Mom’s Take) recently posted…Establishing a Germ-Free Home
Kids pay attention to everything! I love the Jillian Michaels workout videos! My kids like to try and do them with me!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy recently posted…Conference Recap | Bloggy Boot Camp
We don’t even realize how much kids pick up or try to imitate! They are like sponges.
Tracey recently posted…Earn Miranda Lambert Platinum Points with Crystal Light
I hope that my kids have picked up some good habits from watching me over the years. I always try to smile at everyone and hold doors open for people. Kindness is so important. You never know what kind of day someone is having. A simple smile could change someones whole day.
I love this article. It’s so true my daughter watches everything I do and everything I say. The other day she told her cousin you better go to college and start your own business like mommy so you don’t have to work for the man. lol. I laughed so hard.
Great post thanks for sharing. 🙂
My baby has picked up my stank face recently! UGH, so true that they’re always watching!
Christie recently posted…Play Date Tips with Playskool + Recipe #ImagineWithElmo
Kiddo is only with us on weekends. She’s in basketball this year. Last year she tried ballet. On weekends we always do a family activity and we love geocache.
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted…9 Food Photography Essentials I Love
Yes! Kids are always watching us. They remember more of what we do than what we say.
That’s funny that she called you out. Kids are funny!
I hope my kids are learning a good work ethic and a good sense of humor from me. They are important qualities.
Janell Poulette recently posted…Do You Know What Your Dog Is Eating? Try Purina® Beyond®
Awww! LOVE this. I always like seeing my kids comfort each other the same way I comfort them when they don’t feel well or when they are hurt. Little eyes are watching!
Amanda recently posted…Throwing A Princess Makeover Playdate
So cute! I can just imagine your little girl saying that because you’re right, even when we think they’re otherwise occupied, they’re always watching. It’s an important thing for us to remember.
This is a great post! I’ve recently made some changes in my life because of knowing my son is watching me! I feel better about myself and as a person for doing so!
My kids tell me today that they learned moderation and balance with food from watching me. They learned it’s ok to have treats as part of a healthy diet. (Frankly, they’re both healthier than me now.)
Liz Mays recently posted…PediaSure Fridgeworthy Giveaway
such a great point, I get very lazy at times and I need to remember my kids are following my example.
Katrina recently posted…Kidz Gear Headset – Colored Headphones with Microphone for Kids – Review and Giveaway #GiftGuide2014
My kids want to help me cook and do dishes. I think it is cute but I can get the dishes done way faster without help.
Beth@FrugalFroggie recently posted…Glowing Ghosts 2014
Camesha, I love this!!! I found a random time yesterday to show my 2.5 year old an episode of Daniel Tiger while the baby was sleeping. I had no idea when the baby would wake up but I figured it was better to run, even a mile or 2 than none at all… After running 2 miles, I picked up some weights… The show was over and my little girl was like “I want to exercise with you mom!” She got on my yoga mat and did her variation of a plank… And then she goes, “Exercise feels good!” I had to give myself a pat on the back for that.. If that’s the only thing she ever learns from me, I think I would be ok with that.
Pam recently posted…It Gets Easier
Ps- to clarify- I was on the treadmill in the basement- not leaving the kids alone… I hit submit a bit too quick
Pam recently posted…It Gets Easier
Wonderful post! I couldn’t agree more. They are always watching! This truth is scary at tunes but also very empowering!