leading by example

A mother is in distress about her eleven year old daughter. This young lady has suddenly started hating school and having panic attacks about having to attend. Clearly something has happened, and her mother has no idea of the reason. Her daughter is either not willing or able to tell her at this stage.

In an attempt to remedy the situation, parents and teachers arrange a meeting. Between all of them, they should be able to work out what causes the distress and make plans that will support the young girl. I do not know if the meeting is to include the child or not.

What is important for me is the way the mum reacted before the meeting. She spent the whole weekend worrying about it. Fretting. Dreading the meeting. And this did not make sense to me, a mere observer of the drama.

What would cause so much fear in the parent, whose only concern is for finding a solution to the problem?

We lead by example. This woman was following her daughters example - being terrified and panicked about going to school. No doubt also not willing or able to explain why.

If it was not a serious matter, it would be funny! Well, it still is a little funny if we look at it objectively.

We lead by example. Every now and then, we need to look at what we are teaching through our actions.

What are you teaching your children? Your colleagues? Your neighbours, family, friends?

Is your example worth being followed?