“What Kind of Environment Does Your Kid Live In?”

How many of you have ever heard the saying, “We are products of our environment?” Well, yesterday I got a call from Caleb saying, “Daddy, I’m running on the treadmill right now and listening to Tony Robbins.” How cute is that, right? It’s my priority to create the right atmosphere and environment to produce a high quality life for Caleb.

It’s amazing how many little habits, behaviors, beliefs and attitudes that our kids pick up from us. I’d like to admonish ALL parents out there to really get CLEAR about the environment you are creating for your kids. I believe that home and time with parents should be the happiest place on earth for kids. Kids should actually look forward to their time with their parents. It makes my day that Caleb says, “Daddy, all of my friends love coming to your house and wish their dad would play with them like this.” Please don’t mistake my transparency and my use of personal experiences as a “know-it-all” mentality or bragging. Instead, it’s a burning passion of mine to help parents become even better equipped to be the mommy and daddy that their kids need.

As I was getting ready for bed last night, I walked in to check on Caleb; he was in his room doing sit ups and push ups. He said, “I always exercise every single day Daddy!” As we talked, he said, “Let’s go for a 30 minute walk before bed and listen to Tony Robbins on our iPods!” In fact, when setting up his iPod, he said, “Daddy, I only want motivational stuff on my iPod like Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins and Motivational Teaching!” Wow! I’m in awe of how much an 8 year old boy can pick up just from the environment that surrounds him.

What would happen if we called an immediate “time-out” and decided that we are going to do what it takes to create very positive, healthy, spiritual, and happy lives for our kids? At age 8, Caleb already has a burning passion for God, health, exercise, juicing, eating right, giving to the poor, winning souls, reading, and personal growth. I’m always mindful of the scripture that says, “Train up a Child in the way he should go…” Sadly some parents wait until their kids are in their teens to try to give them life skills, beliefs, healthy habits and training, when in reality their teenage behavior is a direct result of the environment they saw growing up. If your children are small, don’t wait until they are in their teens to build the kind of life that you think they deserve. Start living that life now and let them learn from your example.

Matt Maddix
mattmaddix.com