"بچه ها هرگز در گوش دادن به بزرگتر ها خیلی خوب نبوده اند ولی هرگز در تقلید از آنها ناکام نمانده اند"

Kids are like little sponges. They may not seem to be paying attention when you tell them to clean their room or do their homework, but they're constantly watching, absorbing, and imitating what they see. This idea is deeply rooted in the way children learn and grow. They might ignore your words, but your actions? They're taking notes.

Think back to when this was said. It's an age-old observation, really. Parents and elders for generations have noticed that preaching good behavior doesn't always result in it. But showing good behavior? That's a different story. This wisdom has likely been passed down through the ages because it highlights a fundamental truth about human development.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Picture a father who always tells his kids the importance of being polite. He lectures them on saying "please" and "thank you." Despite his best efforts, his kids seem to forget these polite words every time. But, if this same father consistently says "please" and "thank you" in his daily interactions, whether at home, at the grocery store, or while speaking to strangers, over time, his children will start to mimic that politeness. They might not realize it, and it might take a while, but his actions speak louder than his words.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Simple. Be the example. If you want children to develop certain values or behaviors, demonstrate those values and behaviors yourself. Want them to be kind? Show kindness in your daily interactions. Want them to read more? Let them see you enjoying a book. Your actions will always have a larger impact than your words.

Imagine you're in a crowded park, and there's a little girl who drops her ice cream. She's on the verge of tears. Her mother, instead of scolding her for being clumsy, gently reassures her and helps clean up the mess. The mother doesn't just talk about empathy and patience; she shows it, right there in the moment. Other kids nearby, including the little girl's siblings, witness this act. They learn that it's okay to make mistakes and that responding with patience and kindness is a good way to handle problems.

Think about how this plays out in your own life. If you want your child to be responsible, let them see you taking responsibility for your actions. Apologize when you're wrong. Show them how to clean up after themselves by doing it yourself. They learn by watching, and they imitate what they see far more than what they hear.

In the end, it's all about living the values you want to instill. It's a bit like planting seeds. You can't just tell the seeds to grow; you have to water them, give them sunlight, and nurture them with your actions. That's how they flourish. So next time you find yourself frustrated because your kid isn't listening, take a step back and ask yourself: "What am I showing them?" Because chances are, that's what they'll imitate.