Big J goes to a wonderful preschool. His teacher is so kind and caring. Despite a rough dropoff the first day, he has loved every day since.
One of his favorite things, and mine, is when he gets “caught being good.” When his teacher catches one of the kids doing something good – helping a friend, cleaning up, following directions, etc. – she gives them an orange slip of paper as recognition.
It’s just a slip of paper.
But it means the world. To him and to me.
We’ve kept every single one he has received this year and he loves to lay them out and look at them all.
Funny how a little recognition can go such a long way, huh?
But this got me thinking about myself…
Obviously this is something I could try at home – making a bigger deal out of the times the boys make wonderful choices. I can see great success in that.
But what about me? If I really thought about it, how often would I actually get caught being good? And how often do MY KIDS catch me being “good?”
Isn’t there a saying something like – “Good behavior is CAUGHT not TAUGHT” – or something like that?
So what “good” do I want my kids to catch me doing?
Just a few ideas…
*I want my kids to catch me having time with Jesus. I want them to catch my reading my Bible, worshipping, praying.
*I want my kids to catch me being affectionate and playful with the hubby. I want them to catch us enjoying, loving and respecting each other.
*I want my kids to catch me serving and helping others. I want them to ask why I am making a meal for that family or why we are putting together a gift for a child in need. I want them to catch me being Jesus with skin on.
*I want them to catch me putting them before others and myself. I want them to catch me living out my priorities. I want them to catch what is TRULY important.
In order to get caught being good, I need to be INTENTIONAL. (Can you tell I like that word just a little?!) Not for show, but for the purpose of teaching our children through the way we live out our everydays.
So what do YOU want to be caught doing today?
For the record: I wish I had lovely little orange slips to hand out to each of you!
I'm Erin, a wife, boy mom x 3, writer, and runner in Nebraska! I'm excited to share all my favorites relating to faith, family, fashion, and fitness in this space! Enjoy! 
I LOVE this!!!! Perhaps we need to make a “sticker chart” for ourselves! Or rather a sticker chart where our kids could give us stickers when we do good!
I’m adding this to our home immediately!!!
I want to be caught smiling more and yelling less!
Yes, yes, yes! I love this philosophy. Our grade school implemented this when I was already in high school, and it’s such a great idea: To reward the good behavior instead of focusing on the bad. I love your idea of incorporating it at home…hmmm…the munchkin’s going to love this! (Guess “love” is my word for the day.)
As for what I’d want to get caught doing good? Well, your list is a great start. I guess top of my list: I’d want to get caught speaking calmly and responding to anger with peace.
Thanks for the reminder/great idea!
Caught being good…that is SO sweet : ) Love it!
I want my son(s) to catch me being extra patient with him as we’re attempting potty training. It’s so hard and discouraging, but I know he’s trying so I want him to see patience and encouragement.
I also would like my little son to catch me purposefully spending time with him.
Great post Erin. They are always watching, aren’t they?
So true… setting the example and wanting our kids to catch us being good definitly has to be intentional. Great post and good food for thought. I wrote a post awhile back called “Setting The Example” about the same thing. How did I want my kids to look back and remember me as they were growing up… really got me thinking so I made some changes.
Can’t wait to meet you in person at Relevant…..
I’m working on a blog post that this fits right into. I want my kids to catch me doing good so they know what is right and what is expected of them. I don’t want them to ever questions what is right or what is wrong.
Haha… it’s funny that my HIGH SCHOOL does the same thing his preschool does… but we get “premier parking” or “first in lunchline” 🙂
TOTALLY funny Chels!
Erin,
These are beautiful thoughts! Thank you so much for sharing them with me! Not only am I very encouraged, as a teacher, I am inspired as a future parent…coming soon! I have been thinking about this so much as I think about our baby on the way. I love what you wrote for what you hope to be “caught being good” doing. I too want those very same, specific things…you’ve just written them out and organized them for me!
You are such a good mother! I love what Jeremiah tells me about the activities you do at home with him. They are all irreplaceable memories and experiences!
Thanks again!
Amanda