It ’ s a Choice
By Brianna Carter , mamaknowsnada . com
Every morning , my husband and I started incorporating a new concept into our 3-year-old ’ s routine . At the breakfast table , we ask , “ What do you choose to be today ?”
We each go around the table and choose how we will behave throughout the day ; a sort of mantra practice to help realign and find a center if we get off course .
We ’ re not seasoned yogis or spiritual people . Really , just an average couple trying to find new ways to engage and teach our son about existing in the world around him .
We have other goals for it , too . For instance , we strive to use it as a tool to teach him about choice , repercussions and how to navigate emotions , those examples being topics of high priority . Seems a little lofty perhaps . Yet , studies show children learn by repetition ( 1 ) . If we start navigating emotions and choice patterns productively now , where might he be at age 10 , 15 or 20 ?
Putting my long-term hopes aside , I ’ ve found he has taken to this idea rather quickly . Incredibly , he has even started to remind us there ’ s a choice to be made each day .
“ Mommy ,” he says , slurping down a smoothie , “ what are you choosing today ?”
Usually , I opt for patience , focus or strength ; anything to get me through the day and the never-ending to-do list .
I ask , “ Declan , what do you choose ?”
He replies , with a wide , toothy grin , blue eyes smiling , “ I choose to be kind .”
I pause . My eyes glaze over in a misty haze . His answer is a surprise and so pure . Be still my mama heart .
What does kindness mean ?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary , “ kind ” means generous , helpful and thinking about other
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