My 4-year-old daughter loves to create imaginative stories as she flips through her books, but will only recite them aloud if she believes she is alone. Sneaking upon her one afternoon, I heard the most incredible thing.
For me this was a perfect reminder that we really do teach by example. Several years ago I made my only New Year's Resolution ever to stick, a commitment to read more for pleasure. I've also done whatever I can to give back, and involve my children in those activities when possible. Thankfully, I believe my efforts have rubbed off.
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I'm not saying I am the perfect parent. Somehow, I doubt you are, either. But as my little girl illustrates so perfectly here, there are way more important things to be.