Raising kids is a complex proposition anymore. Government at one level or another adds requirements. Then there are sports and clubs. And there is a constant threat of drugs and alcohol use. Television, music and movies, and the Internet, tempt and tempt kids. Everyone but a fool knows it is not easy to raise kids healthy in mind and body.

Yet some things are still easily done, when we realize what goes on at home or anywhere kids are around. For kids pick up quick on their most favored idols, their parent or parents.

Let me illustrate with some thing that has no known author, yet it packs a big message. It is titled, "When You Thought I Wasn't Looking."

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and immediately I wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it is good to be kind to stray animals.

When you thought I wasn't watching, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things are special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a sick friend, and I learned that we all have to take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned that we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have, too.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that some things hurt, but it is all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

You see it is that those things you think that a child doesn't notice, is noticed, and learned from for life. You learn that what you do for that child, and do in his or her presence, does make a big difference to that child, and what that child becomes. You can have a big impact on that child. You round out the education for that child.

Growing kids is not easy. And you may forget at times to remember that the child is a constant learner, absorbing knowledge like a sponge, and you the parent is one he or she like to learn from, for you see you are his hero.

Is it hard raising kids? You bet it is. But hang in there for the kids will never forget you nor what was learned from you.