“Words Do Not Teach, but Life Experience Does”

I was reading “Money, and the Law of Attraction” by Esther and Jerry Hicks  last night and came across this quote:

“Words Do Not Teach, but Life Experience Does”

This is exactly what we focus on at KidsAwakening.

Being a role model for our kids is more important and more impactful than trying to explain how The Law of Attraction works by using our words.

You will be much more effective if you teach by example. Your children will learn from their life experience…and part of their life experience is watching you live your life experience.

For instance, say you want to teach your kids to pursue their dreams. You can use your “words” by saying things like,

“You know honey, I really want you to pursue your dreams in life. Go for it!”

And of course, loving statements like this are very powerful. Your support and encouragement will allow your children to believe that anything is possible and build a sense of validation within them. They will feel validated and you will have given them a green light to pursue what they are passionate about in their lives.

But if you aren’t pursuing your own dreams, then your words won’t carry much weight at all.

I have said to my kids:

“I waited until I was older to pursue my dreams because I didn’t think any of them could come true. I was told that ‘good things just don’t happen to people like us’.

But I don’t believe that anymore.

I believe everyone should follow their dreams.  And you don’t have to wait until you’re my age to follow yours!

You can learn from me and know that you can create a life that you really love by pursuing what you love to do now.”

If you REALLY want them to “get it”, then let them see you pursuing your dreams.

But you should also be honest with them. If you’re a “late bloomer” like some of us, it’s okay to tell your kids that.

And don’t worry about whether you’re a “big success” or not. Just by taking actions toward your dreams is HUGE and to coin a cliché, it’s all about the journey anyway!

My children have seen me pursue many dreams. They have seen me succeed and they have seen me fail. I use the word fail here, but I really don’t believe following your dreams ever leads to failure. It’s all good. It’s all life experience. It’s simply learning about “contrast”, which means learning more about what you like and what you don’t like…so you can focus on what you really want.

There was a time I spent a few years writing a screenplay for a romantic comedy – a full length feature film. That is quite an undertaking. I put my heart and soul into it. I held the dream for many years that I would be a famous screenplay writer.

My son watched he whole process as a young boy. However, I never did sell that screenplay. And now, 15 years later…my son wants to be a film director.

I guess he didn’t get discouraged by my “failure”…instead, he was inspired to pursue his passions.

Your kids will learn by your life experience and your willingness to “go for it”.

You’ll pave the way for them to follow their inner guidance.

So what actions will you take today to dig out and dust off an old dream of yours that you’d like to pursue, just for the fun of it?

Think of what a fabulous role model you’ll be to your kids (and teens)…and everybody else in your life for that matter!

Tagged as: attachment parenting, Child, Children, Homeschooling, Parenting, Positive Parenting, Teenagers, Toddlers