Teaching Core Values Through Actions and Media
This week, I’m sharing a lesson that has been pivotal in my parenting journey—how kids mimic what they see, whether it’s in your actions or the media they consume. It’s a topic I’ve thought a lot about over the years, especially after experiencing the "Toy Story Effect" with my boys. If you’ve ever wondered how to align what your kids watch with your family’s values, this one’s for you.
Raising your kids to embody core values isn’t just about telling them what’s right or wrong—it’s about showing them through your actions, your words, and even how you interact with the media they consume. Kids learn through mimicry, often absorbing far more than you realize. While you may set stellar examples of integrity and kindness, your kids are also watching TV shows, movies, and the smallest moments in daily life—and that’s where they pick up things you didn’t intend.
One memory stands out for me when my older son was about four years old. We were watching Toy Story, a movie so many of us love, and there’s a scene where Woody, in a fit of frustration, yells, “Shut up! Just shut up!” I didn’t think much of it at the time, but the next day, when his three-year-old brother was upsetting him, my sweet boy turned around and shouted, “Shut up! Just shut up!”—anger and all. I was floored. I’d never seen that kind of emotion from him before, and now, thanks to mimicry, I also had a three-year-old echoing those same words.
"Wow, I felt so stuck. I just finished writing my family mission statement and I really see how we are better together! We are stronger as a united group. I am really loving what this course is giving me." - DD
Have a story or question to share? Hit reply to this email and let me know—your spotlight could inspire another family!
✨ Free Sneak Peek: How to Write Your Family Mission Statement
I’m offering a limited-time opportunity to access one of the most transformative lessons from the Unbreakable Family Academy: How to Write Your Family Mission Statement. This lesson will give you the tools to bring clarity, purpose, and direction into your home.
But don’t wait—access expires on December 31!
Why This Matters
Core values shape everything in your home, from the big decisions to the smallest interactions. Whether it’s through a family mission statement or a simple conversation about a favorite TV show, these intentional steps build the foundation for a thriving family. I hope this week’s insights give you a fresh perspective and actionable ideas to bring into your home.
For Your Family’s Success,
Sunny
P.S. Don’t forget to grab access to the sneak peek before it’s gone: HOW TO WRITE YOUR FAMILY MISSION STATEMENT
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