One morning, couple of weeks ago I was about to enter a coffee shop next to my hotel for a dose of ristretto. The door opened suddenly and an angry woman pushed a girl out. A paper cup was on the floor. Coffee was spilled around. A taxi was in front. The lady was in a hurry. The girl looked ashamed, eyes on her hand. The door of the taxi slammed and the scene disappeared around the corner. All this – in 30 seconds.

I thought to my self : 30 seconds to start a day. To spend with your child ahead of a busy day for both… The coffee was definitely not for the child. Although she seemed to have been put in charge of it.

There is no judgement here. It was a reminder to self that as parents we need to maintain our awareness that children mirror our behaviour. Studies and research show it extensively for the still skeptical ones.

If we are in a hurry and angry and things start falling, it’s us, the adults. 

If we prioritise the concern over a spilled coffee instead of a burned finger, we, adults, set an example.

If we start the day with a smile and a belief that we have time for everything, it’s us, the adults. 

If we show concern over the child’s concerns, we set an example as a grown-up human to a growing up human.

A clean mirror gives a clear image. Up to us, adults, to keep it clean.