Be The Role Model Your Children Deserve

Kids are like sponges and absorb information easily while they’re young. They also learn by watching us, so it’s important that we, as parents, lead by good example if we want them to learn kindness, responsibility and problem-solving skills that will help them succeed in life. Here are some simple ways to gently show your kids that success comes from staying true to their values and persevering.

Show - don’t tell - your kids

Kids learn by watching their parents. Modeling appropriate, respectful, good behavior works much better than telling them what to do. Let’s face it - nobody likes to be told what to do — especially in a scolding tone of voice! However, seeing an alternate way of doing things in action often resonates more deeply and proves more effective than simply being told about it.

Fess up when you blow it

This is the best way to show our children how and when they should apologize. We, as parents, can’t always be perfect. We’re human and we make mistakes in life just as our children do. Show them your human side and openly acknowledge when mistakes are made. It gently teaches kids that everyone is human and that learning from our errors is part of growing.

Live a little greener

Show your kids how easy it is to care for the environment. Waste less, recycle, reuse, and conserve each day. Spend an afternoon picking up trash around the neighborhood. Green spaces are increasingly at risk as urban development and environmental pressures threaten their preservation. Learning how to care for nature is essential for fostering a lasting connection with the environment.

Always tell the truth

It’s how we want our child to behave, right?  By encouraging them to tell the truth, we show them how important it is for healthy relationships and self-respect. We can lead by example, and create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable by being open. With gentle guidance we can help them see the value of honesty in their everyday lives.

Kiss and hug your partner in front of the kids

Our partnership is one example our child has of what an intimate relationship looks, feels, and sounds like. So it’s important to set a great standard. Showing affection and closeness in our relationship can teach our kids about the value of love and connection. Our gentle interactions and mutual respect helps them learn how to build and maintain their own meaningful relationships in the future.

Respect parenting differences

Support your co-parent’s basic approach to raising kids—unless it’s way out of line. Respecting each other’s parenting styles fosters a supportive environment for our children, helping them feel secure and valued as they navigate their family life.  When parents work together harmoniously, our children are able to adjust better and thrive, knowing they are cared for and valued from all sides.

Trust Yourself

Trusting yourself as a parent is key to cultivating a warm and supportive relationship with your child. While it’s natural to have moments of uncertainty, having faith in our own instincts and choices can truly benefit our family. By trusting ourselves, we acknowledge our deep understanding of our child's needs and we create a nurturing environment where both of us can feel confident and connected.

Don’t Forget to give yourself a break

Hitting the drive-through when we’re too tired to cook doesn’t make us a bad parent. Life’s hectic sometimes and opting for fast food every now and then can be a practical solution for busy moments. By making healthy choices, we can balance practicality with nutrition, contributing to healthier habits and promoting overall health without sacrificing the ease of quick meals.

Trust your gut

No one knows our children better than we do. Trusting our instincts helps ensure that we’re making choices that align with what’s truly best for our loved ones. By following our intuition, we create a supportive and caring environment that reflects our commitment to their well-being and happiness. If we think something’s wrong, chances are we’re right.

Just say “no”

Resisting the urge to take on extra obligations at the office or become a constant volunteer at our child’s school is important when focusing on the family. Spending more time with our children is something that we’ll never regret. By prioritizing these moments, we create special memories and deepen our connections, showing our children that they truly matter. Our hearts will be thankful!

Conclusion

Showing our human side as parents is a positive way we can be good role models to our children. Living each day with empathy, kindness and honesty allows us to foster relationships where they feel loved, secure and supported as they embrace each new day.

Inspired Source: Visit www.parents.com for 50 Easy Ways To Be A Fantastic Parent. Written by Barrie Gillies and reviewed by Dr. Ann-Louise T Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP