Leading by Example

Last week while shopping at my favorite store, Target, I heard a little girl start crying.
My mommy instinct kicked in and I glanced around looking for her to make sure she was with an adult. The little blond girl was standing there wailing away with big alligator tears streaming down her face as her mother looked at something in the aisle. The mother was dressed as if it were wannabe-runway-model day at Target.I don't mind dressing nicely even if it's just to go to Target but she was made up as if she were going out to a club...and it was 1 in the afternoon.
I gave a small chuckle at the girls outburst (and the mothers outfit) as I looked at my son who was quietly sleeping in his car seat. I continued shopped for Dollar Spot goodies in my plan ol' jean capris and a Badger sweatshirt.
Just as I was about to walk away the girl screamed louder, and then I heard the mother say "Will you please shut up...your embarrassing me! How am I supposed to find you a daddy if you embarrass me all the time!?"
I am pretty sure my jaw hit the floor as I stared at them. Did she really just say that to her little girl?
I looked at the mother in disbelief as she was kneeling down at the little girls level gripping her by the shoulders, frantically looking around to see if anyone was watching. I was looking at her in disgust however I am convinced now that she did not see me because I was not male therefore not daddy material for her little girl.
I walked away shaking my head. This woman was clearly not Mother of the Year material...I am not so sure she was even mother material to be honest.
So this poor little girl was clearly upset about something and now because of her superb mother she is now even more upset thinking that she doesn't have a daddy because it's her fault for embarrassing her mom...therapy is going to be needed for this girl as a young adult.

I am appalled by the way some of these "parents" are parenting their children. I hear them saying things that should not be said to children and doing things in front of their children that should not be done.
I have a cousin (I doubt he would ever read this..but if he is...I am not sorry it's how I ,and the majority of our family, feel) he was in prison for a number of years, gets out of prison and gets a woman..um rather...a girl..pregnant, but not just once he has two children with her Irish twins). Then he gets another woman pregnant...and then another. Yes, he will have 4 children with 3 different women and he doesn't have a full time job...a car..or any real way to care for these children. UGH..disgusting-STOP REPRODUCING!!! This isn't a game, these are 4 little lives that will forever be difficult because you and the women you had 30 seconds of fun with weren't thinking.

I think a lot of people believe that they can have kids because they will love their children...that's great you should love your children however you have to love them enough to put yourself last and do everything you possibly can to support them. That means giving up your social life to care for them, giving up your free time to get a job, giving up your ipod and fancy cell phones and save your money for days you will need it...and staying out of prison would be a nice for them too.
John Lennon said "All you need is love" however, that's not completely true when it comes to babies...you need a whole lot more...its a human life, not a gold fish.

Leading by example is great, when the example given is great. If you are a poor example of a parent (or human being in general) what do you think you are teaching your children.
Ghandi said it best when he said "Be the change you want to see in the world"

Truly words to live by.