My Daughter Copies Me: What Is She Learning?

My daughter copies me all the time! Whenever I attempt to do my regular physical therapy exercises, my she is never far behind. She’ll climb on top of me, making me have to work twice as hard. Often, she’ll sit next to me with her little rubber ball and attempt to copy what I’m doing with my yoga ball. She also tries her hand at push-ups when she sees me doing them.

It’s not just physical therapy that she copies. Once I was standing with my hands on my hips, only to look down and realize she was right next to me in the exact same pose. When we walk through stores, I tend to point out things I love and say, “That’s cute!” Recently, my daughter has picked up on this, and will point to random items and declare, “That’s cute!” She loves to copy everything I do and say. She truly wants to be just like me!

My Daughter Copies Me: What Example Am I Setting?

When I see all the ways my daughter tries to copy me, it’s a reminder to me of the responsibility I have as a parent. What kind of example am I setting for her to copy? Am I treating her with love and patience, even when she’s having a temper tantrum? Am I steadfast and level-headed, even when I’m having a bad day? Do I treat others with kindness and respect – even when they cut me off in traffic? What does my speech look like? What words am I saying for her to repeat? Most importantly, am I praying without ceasing and trusting the Lord, or am I anxious and only asking the Lord for things when I feel I need him?

Children are sponges, learning from every single thing in their environment. They also really admire us and want to be just like us. What kind of example are we setting? Would you be happy for your child to turn out just like you?

How About You?

None of us are perfect, but it’s important to think about this. What’s one behavior you immediately think of that you need to put an end to? Ask God to help you set the best possible example for your child.

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