"We are Alexanders, we are direct. We look people in the eye and say what we need." One family member overheard me saying this to my 8 year old. She mentioned that she has noticed this saying, "We Are Alexanders, we…" in various forms over the years, and began to interview me on the subject.
Where did you come up with the idea?
We started our Alexander axioms when Canon (now 11) was 2. I didn't want to be that mom who was constantly saying NO. I desired to parent in the positive. Speaking values and virtues over my children makes more sense to me than always negatively correcting. It is a code of conduct, whereby children begin to be aware of principles that are important in relating with family and community.
What are some other Alexander axioms?
We are Alexanders, we…
are direct.
are learners.
are leaders.
are problem solvers.
are kind.
use our words.
treat people with respect.
don't whine or complain.
tell the truth.
listen.
include everyone.
These are the main Alexander axioms. My children hear many other sayings throughout the days and weeks as well.
"We get in a rush, we get in a wreck."
"Be mindful of the needs of others."
"Yes ma'am, no ma'am, yes sir, no sir."
"You're always in my heart."
"Sometimes we need a reset."
And a couple I recently picked up from high-school-bestie-reunited:
"Swear on our love."
"Change it."
Do you have them written down anywhere?
I have always told myself I need to start documenting our family axioms. I believe that each family has a unique set of values they are passionate about. We should all record these values and speak them over our children in ways that help shape character. If we feel strongly about particular virtues, we can either assume our children will magically pick up on them, or we can clearly communicate them.
4 comments:
you need those on a sign…handcrafted by the lowrys. …hanging in your home as a constant reminder.
:)
I wish you would have parented before me! I feel that I didn't teach my children ANYTHING! I am proud of how deliberate you are to TEACH. I felt like I missed the mark on so many things.....
Thanks for being such a great mommy to my niece and nephews! :)
Nikki, you are pretty awesome. Nat always said that he liked how Dave Ramsey always told his girls, "what's a Ramsey girl?" And they would answer "smart and pretty". So he makes a point to tell my daughter that all the time. I think every parent has their things that they repeat trying to get it into their kid's heads. I love the idea of how you said it beginning with your family name. That gives them the sense of ownership and pride in doing the right thing. I just might have to steal this idea!
Hi Nikki! I am so happy to have found your blog! I was following Anna on Instagram and decided to do the OMstrong challenge and it has introduced me to SO many yogis, including you!! I am so thankful that I've taken the leap and joined up! It's really giving me the motivation and the push that I need =] Plus, as I read your blogs I really feel your energy through your words and pictures and it is a pretty amazing energy, indeed! In this blog in particular you spoke about things that I try to teach my own children as well, but without anywhere near the amount of forethought! haha.. I am impressed =] and very happy to have found your blogs! I will be following along and get more of these tips, tricks and inspiration! =]
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