Parker is in the stage right now...and has been for a while...where she likes to imitate any and everything that we do. For the most part....it is cute.
But it has made me stop and think.
Am I living in a way and doing things that I don't mind that Parker imitates me?
And for the most part...yes. But I know that there is definitely much room for improvement.
For example- she has now learned how to fluctuate her voice to where she can purposefully yell. She'll say...in a loud, yelling-type voice...."Looooo-lla! Looooo-lla! Noh! Noh!" All the while....pointing her finger at Lola and shaking her head no.
I wonder where she picked that up from?
Hmmmm.
Ok- it was me. And possibly Geoff at times. And although there is usually a reason that I am doing this to Lola....and Parker was just doing it to be like me....it was still "odd", if you will....seeing a reflection of me in her. And allbeit....
Yelling.
And pointing.
And shaking her head.
I don't really have an answer...because I will probably still raise my voice to Lola if I "need" to...but now I have a guilt...because what am I teaching her? And yes- I realize that I may be reading way too much into this (and I rarely ever read into things!), but it just brought up the bigger picture for me.
I first heard this song I Want To Be Just Like You about 15 years ago or so...when I was in high school. And then I heard it again sometime over the past year and ended up dowloading it to my iTunes. It brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard it after being a mom. Here are the lyrics.....
I Want To Be Just Like You - Phillips, Craig & Dean (Lifeline)
He climbs in my lap for a goodnight hug
He calls me Dad and I call him Bub
With his faded old pillow and a bear named Pooh
He snuggles up close and says, "I want to be like you"
I tuck him in bed and I kiss him goodnight
Trippin' over the toys as I turn out the light
And I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see
He's got a father in God 'cause he's seen Jesus in me
Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me
Got to admit I've got so far to go
Make so many mistakes and I'm sure that You know
Sometimes it seems no matter how hard I try
With all the pressures in life I just can't get it all right
But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best
Being patient and kind, filled with Your tenderness
'Cause I know that he'll learn from the things that he sees
And the Jesus he finds will be the Jesus in me
Right now from where he stands I may seem mighty tall
But it's only 'cause I'm learning from the best Father of them all
(and I realize that the intention of the writers of this song was to be about a dad and a son....of which- I am not a dad, nor is Parker a son....but I still felt that I could relate it to a mother and daughter...or really- even just parents to their kids)So there's some food for thought for today.
And in case you are wondering what sparked this post today... it was that Parker found a different pair of shoes in my closet this morning and was successful in putting them on and walking in them. It reminded me, yet again, how she wants to be like us. And no- I do not usually walk around in my open-toed, black sandals... with a heal, nonetheless.... in my pajamas on a Saturday morning (or any morning for that matter), but I thought it was cute. And she was so proud of herself, too!
4 comments:
Looks like a great Chipotle outfit to me!
It's funny what children pickup on - finger pointing, raising one's voice - and the shoes - she is adorable!
Again, this just shows how smart Parker is and that she is learning. [In your mind or out loud, you maybe saying, "well this is not what I want her to learn." (Part of the territory of motherhood - not being perfect)]
Marla, both you and Geoff truly work hard at being very good parents and that is extremely admirable!
Just keep being that wonderful and loving mother - that you are!
Nothing wrong with being like her Mommy(or Daddy)! You are both great influences in my book.
Great post and a constant conflict for me...You are a great mom.
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