Have you ever noticed kids? I mean, really watched them in action? Those little tykes are like sponges—but cuter and less prone to mildew. Reflecting on it, I’m reminded of when I was trying to teach my cousin to tie her shoes. I spent a good ten minutes demonstrating various methods of bunny-ear origami, only for her to call my attempt a “shoe catastrophe.” Ouch.

Children are ace at picking up on behaviors, much like a tiny mimic waiting for their cue. They imitate everything, like right? Why? Because they’re learning how to navigate this wild wacky world and they see us as their guides. Adorable, isn’t it? Yet ooooh so daunting! Seriously, I have posted about this before. It makes you ponder: Are we offering them Grade A material?

We better hope so. And if we don’t think so we better try harder.

‘Cause let’s be honest—kids watch what we do more than they listen to what we say. Yikes. The pressure. So, why not take a breather and consider this: give them something great to imitate. Maybe that means being kind in a supermarket line instead of muttering under your breath about the slow service and making the woman and the register even more stressed. Perhaps it’s showing resilience and positivity when things go–uhm–pop.

Suddenly, all those crazy antics and failures become teachings, lessons, and examples for life. Remember—don’t fret the small stuff. Inspire and have fun (wobbly bunny-ears and all)!