The Help and Raising Babies

     I read the book The Help before the movie ever came out and loved it.  I was hesitant to watch the  movie because as everyone knows the book is always a million times better.  I finally rented and watched the movie today.  It got me thinking about how Elizabeth treated her daughter Mae Mobley, and how Abeline tried to make sure that Mae Mobley knew that she was a good person.  In turn, it made me think about raising babies in general.

     As hard as it is to believe, my little Park Park will be 2 years old on the 27th. With his birthday approaching I have been thinking about how his personality has really come out over the last year.  He is such a loving, funny, smart, witty, kind little boy.  I really believe that he has become the person he is because of how the adults in his life have treated him thus far.  He has me, Lee, my mama, my granny, my aunt Debra, my brother, Lee's mom, and Lee's dad.  All of these people interact with Parker on a regular basis.  All of these people really love my little man, and are always hugging on him, kissing him, and telling him that they love him.  I believe that is why Parker is so loving.  He learned how to love others from the love he received from all of us.

      He is so funny.  He loves to dance, sing and joke around.  From the day he was born I used to dance around with him and make up silly songs.  I cannot sing, no, really, I CANNOT sing at all, I suck at it.  I love to sing though, and I know that kids don't care, so I have always found myself singing to Parker.  He now loves music, sings along, and dances like a little fool just like me :). 

     I know there is a case to be made for nature vs. nurture, but I can't help but see that the way we have treated our son has had a definite impact on the person he is now.  It makes me want to be very careful how I speak to him and others.  It makes me realize that he mimics everything we do and say.  If I want to raise a good person I have to BE a good person.
 
    While I know The Help is just a ficional book, it is filled with many good life lessons.  One of which is that  you need to be careful how you treat  your children.  You need to tell your children daily what they mean to you and how they feel about you.  Above all, you need to be the example of the person you want your child to become. 

    Hopefully being a mother will help me grow as a person.  Hopefully having this gorgeous little boy looking up to me, knowing he is watching my every move will keep me accountable.  If I can't be a better person for me, I pray I can be a better person for him.