history repeats itself

9 Behaviors Your Kids Should Be Repeating

I’m certain you’ve watched the movie Groundhog Day. But just in case you haven’t, here’s a brief summary. A local TV weatherman gets caught in a time loop and ends up repeating the same day again and again. Eventually, he begins to reexamine his life and priorities. As I think about this, I believe we, as dads, can end up in the same situation—a real-life Groundhog Day that repeats some of the same things over and over through our kids.

Think about it. Have you been repeating some of the same behaviors or habits of your father? Were they good or bad? History repeats itself and our kids have a high likelihood of repeating the things we do. If that is the case, then we need to make sure what we are doing is going to add value to them and those around them. Here are 9 behaviors you will want your kids to repeat.

1. Love

One of the great passages from Scripture, which is often quoted at weddings, is about love. It begins by listing attributes but says they mean nothing if done without love. Some would even be annoying (like a gong or clanging symbol). Love in action is something you want your kids repeating.

2. Joy

We have the ability to choose. We can choose anger, we can choose bad words, we can choose sadness, or we can choose joy—no matter the situation. Teach your kids to look at the bright side and to find the good in all situations.

3. Peace

If you are like me, you constantly ask your kids if they are being peacemakers. And based on what is happening in the world today, if we had more peacemakers, things might be different. Teach them not to seek conflict but to play their part in resolving or softening it.

4. Patience

This is where I struggle, and I think most of today’s society does. We live in a right now world where almost everything is available on demand. But it’s still true that good things come to those who wait. Show your kids how to tolerate pain and trials calmly without complaining.

5. Kindness

Similar to peace, this would change not only our families but the world around us. Teach your kids to act and speak kindly to one another by modeling it to them in your family interactions as well as outside the home.

6. Goodness

Teach them what is good and how your family will represent that. Model making the right choices and help guide them to do the same.

7. Faithfulness

When you say you are going to do something, do it.

Let your yes be yes and your no be no. When you say you are going to do something, do it. Whether you know this or not, your kids notice when you don’t show up, when you are late, or when you leave your shoes, socks, or paperwork around the house while asking them to clean their rooms. Be faithful to your commitments.

8. Humility

I’ve heard it said that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. We need to show our kids what it means to think of others first. Be humble and show your kids how to be humble as well.

9. Discipline

Take the necessary actions needed to accomplish something, even when it’s hard. Discipline is easy when tasks are easy, but when tasks get hard or we don’t enjoy them, discipline feels like what it is—discipline. Show your kids by your own self-control how to accomplish things and live the life you hope to live.

Sound off: What’s one behavior you think would add the most value to your kids’ lives?

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What do you see me doing that you’d like to do as well?”