From the miraculous moment of birth, a human being is curious about his/her surroundings so that he/she may adapt to them. Always watching, always listening, a child is gifted with the ability to absorb impressions without any conscious effort and looks to us for behavioral cues in every situation. Our reactions and responses function somewhat like a social and emotional map, from which a child learns how to engage with people, objects and experiences.

With that in mind it becomes necessary to look in the mirror for inspiration when challenges arise, as they inevitably do in the ever-changing evolution of parenting or mentoring. Classroom professionals can provide countless examples of behaviors that are absorbed in the home, but we can overlook some that children clearly learn from us during school hours, particularly if they are rooted in impatience or willfulness.

It’s an uncomfortable truth.

What kind of map are we hoping to offer a child today?

The child that has to adapt himself to the environment can only adapt to it by copying others.

- Maria Montessori