Rodney Atkins’ “I’ve Been Watching You” is one of my favorite songs for many reasons. One of them is because my six year-old loves singing it at the top of his lungs while watching the video with me. The other reason is because it’s a wonderful song for parents because it brings home the message so well that like it or not, our kids learn more from what we show them than what we tell them. Actions truly speak louder than words when you’re a parent!
I’ve learned this lesson over and over again with all three of my children. I can say the same thing countless times but it falls on def ears but if they see me doing it, especially when I pretend I don’t know they’re there, then I inevitably see them mimicking my behavior.
Unfortunately, this applies to bad behavior as well! I’ve finally learned to NEVER utter a cuss word even if you think they’re not close enough to hear. I’ve also learned never to cut corners or do things with anything but my best effort because they notice it (well, their mom usually does first but they do too).
So, it’s a simple notion but incredibly important and a powerful teaching tool. Teach your children by setting the best example as you possibly can with your actions, not just with your mouth. Walk the walk vs talk the talk. Always remember that they’re watching you!
“Watching You”
Driving through town just my boy and me
With a happy meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn’t have the toy
Till his nuggets were gone
A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath
His fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap
Well then my four year old said a four letter word
That started with “s” and I was concerned
So I said son now now where did you learn to talk like that
[Chorus one]
He said I’ve been watching you dad, ain’t that cool
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah we’re just alike, hey ain’t we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I’ve been watching you
We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said Lord please help me help my stupid self
Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son’s Scooby Doo nightlight
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
And spoke to God like he was talking to a friend
And I said son now where’d you learn to pray like that
[Chorus two]
He said I’ve been watching you dad, ain’t that cool
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama’s hand
Yeah we’re just alike, hey ain’t we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I’ve been watching you
[Bridge]
With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug
Said my little bear is growing up
He said but when I’m big I’ll still know what to do
[Chorus three]
Cause I’ve been watching you dad, ain’t that cool
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
By then I’ll be as strong as superman
We’ll be just alike, hey won’t we dad
When I can do everything you do
Cause I’ve been watching you
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Wow, what a great song and a great message. The funny thing is, this whole monkey-see, monkey-do thing is subtle. You have no idea when they’re watching you or when they’re learning (or not learning) from your example. So you’re right…the best approach is to ALWAYS be on our best behavior as dads whenever there’s even a chance the kids might see us. Thanks for the post!
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Wow, what a great song and a great message. The funny thing is, this whole monkey-see, monkey-do thing is subtle. You have no idea when they’re watching you or when they’re learning (or not learning) from your example. So you’re right…the best approach is to ALWAYS be on our best behavior as dads whenever there’s even a chance the kids might see us. Thanks for the post!
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The further down the road I get with the parenting “thing” the more I see that parenting is not some stand alone activity that has a truly unique set of rules.
Fact of the matter is that no matter what I do in life (work, friendships, special groups etc) actions always speak louder than words. We are a country of far too many words and not enough action. I can’t allow myself to perpetuate that shallowness.
I can only hope that I stay aware and alert enough to know that everything I DO carries so much more weight than what I say. I know I won’t be perfect because that is not available to me but I can certainly improve daily.
Thanks for the reminder.
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The further down the road I get with the parenting “thing” the more I see that parenting is not some stand alone activity that has a truly unique set of rules.
Fact of the matter is that no matter what I do in life (work, friendships, special groups etc) actions always speak louder than words. We are a country of far too many words and not enough action. I can’t allow myself to perpetuate that shallowness.
I can only hope that I stay aware and alert enough to know that everything I DO carries so much more weight than what I say. I know I won’t be perfect because that is not available to me but I can certainly improve daily.
Thanks for the reminder.
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Hello, 1st-time reader. I love this post; I can’t wait to show my husband! I know it’ll affect him just as strongly as it did me. Thanks for sharing such a great message.
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Hello, 1st-time reader. I love this post; I can’t wait to show my husband! I know it’ll affect him just as strongly as it did me. Thanks for sharing such a great message.
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Thanks for the kind comments everyone. Glad you enjoyed this post. I find this song is a great reminder for me as a dad to stay aware of what I do, at home as well as anywhere else I go.
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Thanks for the kind comments everyone. Glad you enjoyed this post. I find this song is a great reminder for me as a dad to stay aware of what I do, at home as well as anywhere else I go.
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this is dumb