Happy Sunday, Pride!

I hope each of you had a wonderful weekend and that your child(ren) had a great first full week of school.  A common phrase I hear the first week of school is, there's no tired like the end of the first week teacher tired.  I know this is a true statement for the staff, and I imagine that it's a true statement for students too.  I hope everyone (students and staff) got their rest in, feels reenergized, and is ready to tackle the 2nd full week. 

As we look ahead to what's going to be a great second week of school, I wanted to share a quote with you.  Each morning at 6:00 am, I share a quote with my staff.  I find these quotes in a book, Daily Inspiration for Educators: Positive Thoughts for Every Day of the Year. This is the quote that the staff will receive tomorrow:

As a teacher, administrator, or parent, what are two things you expect your students, staff, or children to do on a daily basis? Now ask yourself, "Am I modeling the same expectations and/or behaviors?" What we model is what we get.

Children are like sponges.  Even when you think your children aren't paying attention, it's essential to be a positive role model.

Most adults have a grasp on the concept of "modeling behaviors for our children," but there might be some things that adults do that we don't think twice about . . . . and still, our children are watching.  Consider some of the scenarios:

• A parent tells the cashier at a restaurant that her 12-year-old son is only 11 so she can get a discount at the buffet. Her son learns it's OK to lie sometimes to get what you want.
• Parents tell their kids to treat everyone with respect. Yet, they often make critical comments about other people behind their backs.
• A staff member comes into the parking lot (staying to the left) and entering through the exit, but yet, walks to class and expects the students to follow all the school rules. 
• Parents tell their kids to take responsibility for their behavior and their choices. Yet, when they forget about their child’s dentist appointment, they argue with the receptionist and tell her she clearly made a scheduling error.

Does any of these examples sound familiar?  If so, don't be so hard on yourself because I'm confidant that we're all guilty of one of these (or something similar).

Your primary job as a parent is to help mold your kids into kind, respectful, honest, and caring people. And, sometimes the easiest way to do that is to be a good role model. This may mean taking a closer look at your own habits and making some changes. But, if you do, both you and your kids will benefit.

Lions, have a great week!

In Strength and Blessings,

~Dr. Compton