Leading by Example: The Weight of Your Words

1w ago1 min read

One of my boys came home the other day and told me about a fight at school. I immediately went into lecture mode about using his fists. Then I stopped and thought about what I was doing. A real leader doesn't just bark orders. He shows you how it's done through his own actions. I told him I was sorry for the lecture and we talked about what a man does when he's angry. We talked about walking away with your head held high. About being strong enough to control yourself. I think that conversation meant more to him than any yelling would have. Just wanted to share that thought with you guys.

6 comments157 views

Comments(6)

JJakeNew Dad1w ago

Three different sports schedules and I'm juggling it all, but the one thing I've figured out is kids remember how you made them feel way more than what you said. Props for pumping the brakes and actually connecting with him.

GGary R.Regular1w ago

That's real growth right there, catching yourself before the lecture. My oldest got in trouble at school too and I learned the hard way that kids need to actually talk about what happened, not just hear why they're wrong.

DDale J.Regular1w ago

I do little drawings in lunch boxes and honestly those moments of listening matter way more than any speech. Sounds like you're already doing the harder, better work by actually pausing and thinking about what your boy needs from you.

DDanielRegular1w ago

This is parenting in a nutshell right here. What you say in those moments echoes way longer than you realize. Sounds like you caught yourself and handled it right.

CCodyNew Dad1w ago

Good reminder that kids are always watching how we respond to things. The fight itself was a learning moment but your reaction was the real lesson.

JJoshNew Dad1w ago

I had a similar moment last month with one of my kids and had to apologize for how I initially reacted. Those moments where we show our boys how to actually handle frustration are priceless if we do them right.