When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

Steven Cribbs    Parenting    

Do you ever feel like your children are oblivious to the hours and effort you spend doing everything in the world for them? I do.

I know that my kids do watch me. In fact, I often-times think I am training parrots as my kids mimic everything they see and hear. And I quite often think I am looking at a mirror when I see how my children reflect attitudes, mannerisms, words and actions.

But, sometimes, it seems like my children just don’t notice, understand or appreciate the countless number of times that I do something to help them, to take care of them, to make them feel special or to simply be nice. And then I am left to my downcast feelings about the whole situation (e.g. feeling sorry for myself).

In those times, it is important to remember that children do see more than they let on and much more than we realize. They notice much of what we do, even when we don’t think they are looking. For your encouragement, read the following poem written from a child to her mom.

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,
and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I saw you feed a stray cat,
and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I saw you make my favorite cake for me,
and I learned that the little things can be very special in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick,
and I learned that we all need to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I saw you give your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that everyone can make a difference.

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it,
and I learned the importance of FAMILY.

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good,
and I learned that I would need to be responsible when I grew up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I sometimes saw tears come from your eyes,
and I learned there are things that can hurt, yet it’s O.K. to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I saw that you truly cared about people,
and I wanted to be everything that I could possibly be
to follow in your footsteps.

When you thought I wasn’t looking…
I looked at you and wanted to say,
“Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”

–original poem by Mary Rita Schilke Korzan;
additions by an unknown author

Our children watch. They learn. Even when we are not intentionally trying to teach a lesson. You make an impact. You set an example. You are noticed. You make a difference. Don’t ever stop loving and knowing that you are loved too.

Have you done something, that you thought had gone unnoticed, only to find out later that it had an impact?  You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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