Actions Speak Louder Than Words

During Ash Wednesday services this week, I overheard a little girl ask her mother why everyone had black marks on their heads. The mother explained that those marks were the sign of the cross. They were there to remind people when they looked in the mirror that Jesus died for our sins. To which the little girl replied, “You mean they have to leave those on their heads forever?!”

There’s nothing more amazing to me than hearing a young child ask questions. It’s how children learn and it provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to teach and share. 

As a parent, the clearest lessons you give your children are the ones you teach through your actions. What behaviors are you role-modeling for your children? Are you telling your child not to cuss, but then blurring the message by swearing in front of him or her? Or do you “practice what you preach,” sending a strong, consistent message about what you expect from your child and from yourself? 

At Boys Town, it is this role-modeling behavior that is so important for the boys and girls in our residential Family Home program. Our Family-Teachers not only teach them skills and answer their questions, but also show them the appropriate way adults should behave in real-life situations. These are lessons our Boys Town kids carry with them and depend on as they work to change their lives for the better. 

Lent is a season that reminds us to repent and to get our lives centered, our priorities straight and our hearts clean. The ashes don’t need to stay on our heads forever, but what they symbolize should live in our hearts and minds every day.  When we reflect God’s love in our actions and set a good example by using positive behaviors, we need never worry that a little one is watching. 

For more on role-modeling, visit Parenting.org.