Mimicry

Now that Ivor's communication skills are so much better, I have a lot more opportunities to see the world through his eyes. I am often blown away by his observations and the connections he makes. For example, I was discipling him for running away from me at the park. I told him that running away from Mommy was very naughty. He looked in my face and soberly sad, 'Jonah did run away from God, Mommy, and it was a bad thing.' It caught me so off guard that it took me a while to regroup.

Toddlers are such little mimics and our little boy is especially observant. Ivor regularly mimics our expressions and regurgitates phrases he hears us saying. It can be hilarious to hear him using such big words and adult language. It can be equally sobering to watch him adopt less than savoury language/behaviour and to know he has picked up on your own bad habits. Nothing gets past him and sometime I feel like my bad moments make a deeper impression on him than my good ones!

While I was preparing breakfast this morning I overheard Ivor 'disciplining' his stuffed animals, George and Peppa Pig. Tell me, what does the following story reveal about our parenting style?:

I: George, you will stay on this bed and do some thinking!
(Ivor runs into the kitchen.)
I: Mommy, George is on the bed.

Me: Oh. Why is George on the bed?

I: He was being naughty and rude to Peppa Pig. He is a bad boy.
(Ivor runs back into the bedroom.)
I: George you are not listening and obeying. You made Peppa sad. Spank that bottom. Are you gonna say sorry?
  I am sorry for hitting, Peppa.
I am okay.
(Ivor runs back into the kitchen.)
I: George got a spanking on his bottom and he did say he was sorry, Mommy. He is gonna give a cuddle to Peppa.
(Ivor runs back into the bedroom.)
I will give you a cuddle.
I: That's a good boy, George. I love you very much. Do we need to pray? AMEN!

Let's go ride in a bus to school!

Part of this made me laugh. Part made me cringe. All of it makes me realise that my son is far more clever than I often give him credit for and how every single word I speak in his presence matters.

Years ago I wrote about how marriage is like a mirror, and parenting is much the same. I see myself differently through Ivor's eyes and knowing his little eyes are watching pushes me out of complacency, inspiring me to be a more Christ-like example.