Watch Your Shadow

I spent most of this week in the company of a 2 year-old. As a smart, active child, she had no problem telling me what she wanted to watch and when I should color with her. But something interesting happened yesterday morning. After making her breakfast, with the eggs that she requested, I sat next to her on the floor to eat. I placed her bowl in between her legs and gave her a fork. I then held my plate in my hand and started to eat. Next thing I knew, she was also trying to balance her bowl in her hand. She became frustrated, as she was unable to do what I was doing. I then noticed her crossing her legs, because I had also crossed my legs. I eventually had to place my plate on the floor and eat, in order for her to be satisfied with the placement of the bowl and finish eating her breakfast.

While I’ve been aware for many years that children copy our actions, and I’ve heard them repeat phrases originally said by adults, it was interesting to see this little one in action. I actually thought it was a bit amusing. At the same time, she does have a mind of her own, which she has no problem using. She tells me when she wants to color and if she isn’t going to sit in the couch. She has no problem telling me “no” or that I moved her shoes.

My message to you this morning is – “Watch Your Shadow.”

Like our shadow, there is always someone close watching and imitating what we do, whether it’s a 3ft. small human or a 5ft teenager. Our words and actions are being watched by impressionable minds, and like our shadow, we may not always remember they are around. It is important that we do what we say, as others, especially teens, have no problem reminding us of times when our words and actions differed.


As you go through this day, remember to watch your shadow, you never know who’s watching you cross your legs.