Last week you created a VISION PLAN for at least three areas of how the special kid(s) in your life will look. Maybe you took even greater leaps and stepped out of the self-relationships-career box. It is good that several days have elapsed because you have had time to consider, reflect and review. You may have added or changed your descriptors after additional consideration. Those descriptive jottings you created may have rushed forth like thunderbolts, or maybe your vision descriptors oozed like amber honey, savoring each droplet as it rooted into your consciousness. However, you developed your thoughts in each category of your VISION, it is great, because you now have a concrete image of what you want that child to look like as an adult. As significant adults in the lives of children, it is our job to develop the qualities we want them to possess as adults. How can we do that if we have not given it serious thought? You have taken the first major step along this journey to show and activate your belief in your kiddo.

Your next step is to show the child how to reach for the stars you have sprinkled along her/his path toward the future. This is accomplished first and foremost by your example. Kids watch and listen, even when we don’t think they are watching us and listening to us. The old adage of “do as I say and not as I do” just doesn’t work. If I value the quality of love and want my child to grow up to be loving, I will need to show that quality by giving my time, energy and attention to that child. Of course, this is an easy value, because parents, teachers and adults all love their special kid. However, what about the quality of sharing under the relationship category? Perhaps that was a descriptor that you identified on your VISION PLAN. If I want my child to grow up to learn how to get along with others, how will I role model this trait? You likely have many examples, such as giving to others of abundance, resources and time. Perhaps you will model examples of taking turns and making sure everyone has a chance to be a part of a discussion, planning an outing, or giving their viewpoint.

Maybe you want your child to learn how to value and manage money – under self. How will you model that trait?  Perhaps under the area of career, you want your child to attend college. What will you do now, even if he/she is a toddler, to create that image for the future? Will you cheer on your alma mater? Will your child see photos and learn the colors of your shcool?  Later will you take your child to visit your college/university, or a local one?  

I know you are getting the picture. Now, go back to your VISION PLAN sheet and write down one action under each descriptor that you can do immediately to begin to model the outcome for that very special child. Keep that sheet in a handy spot.  You may even want to make a second copy to look at during the day or when you are away from home. The mere act of consciously attending to the qualities you have listed under each category and the actions you can take will propel you in the direction to set an example and set the stage.

Will you share your VISION PLAN, or parts of it with our readers? We are in this role modeling job together and you all have so many rich ideas and experiences. Did you stick with the three areas of self, relationships and career, or did you venture beyond these major areas? Do you think this activity will be helpful in showing your special kid how important he/she is? Thank you for stopping by and for your thoughts.