Monkey See, Monkey Do

Zayne is a fabulous big brother. This is how he would tell it in his "own words" (read phonetically not literally.) 

"My brother is awesome." Zayne, age 6, sign on their bedroom door

We are still working on helping him recognize the concept of lead-by-example as a big brother. Aren't we all? As parents it is easy to see the "monkey see, monkey do" play-out in your children, but then completely miss or discount what messages our own actions are sending to them or others. Though often, we may know what our weaknesses are, and it may be all we can do to show our children that we own them & are working on them. Facing the obstacles & challenges requires a plan of attack. Acknowledgement, followed by awareness, planning, action, and endurance. Remember with most behavior modification pursuits, as we climb the ladder we may do some sliding down too. Ultimately, the destination determines the outcome.

Really, I just took these pictures of my fun, happy boys playing in the backyard on the trampoline and drew out the life implications after-the-fact. You can choose to see the literal, or reflect on your own "lead-by-example" behaviors. Either way, "just keep on, keepin on" (thank you Joe Dirt.)

I just hope my ultimate outcome includes that fabulous, and contagiously sweet smile of my Zayne. (see last photo)