How do you want your children to react in times of distress, confusion, anger, and problems? Certainly, in the most intelligent and empathic manner, isn’t it? But as a parent, have you always acted upon these life situations in the same way? The answer would be not always. Children develop temperaments that they witness every day. So who can be a better role model than a parent? Parents influence children. In the parenting journey, becoming a role model to your kids is of utmost importance.
Here’s why. Childhood memories are etched in our minds forever, and the very first lessons of a child begin at home. So setting the basics right becomes the responsibility of a parent. A role model is someone you look up to, and you aspire to become like that person. Every parent wants their children to pick up the best of not just their physical features but also their values, skills, behavior, etc. But if children keep witnessing disharmony, dysfunctional family relations, and unhealthy living, we cannot expect them to reflect positivity and amicable behavior once he grows up. So, parents need to become the person they want their children to grow up to be and show the behavior they would like to see in their children. Your life choices impact the choices your children will make.
So here is the list of five effective ways to become a role model for your children.
1. Lead by example
Show and tell is an amazing teaching technique for children. The best way to learn is by example, as stories and incidences have a long-lasting effect on the memory. When parents portray certain behavior by practicing them, it gets etched deeply in the child’s mind.
2. The language of love
As rightly said by someone that love has no language, and it has no religion. Allow your child to unleash the power of love by being more affectionate, amicable, and joyful. Children who witness love at an early age tend to spread more love everywhere they go.
3. Eat and live healthy
Few habits have no replacement, and one such habit is healthy eating and living. A balanced and healthy diet can drive a sense of fulfilment and keep the mind agile. Unhealthy eating and a poor lifestyle may lead to depression and obesity in children; in turn, leading to low confidence and low motivation level. Practice healthy eating and healthy living yourself to teach the same values to your child.
4. Self-improvement
Self-improvement is important. Experiment with new things and expand your horizons. Practice growth mindset. This will tell your children the importance of continuous learning and growing. They will believe that there’s always something new to learn. Your child imitates you, and learns from you. So, adopt a growth mindset yourself to inculcate such a mindset in your children through your actions, conversations, and style of praising.
Related: 9 Tips to Develop Growth Mindset in Children
5. Be transparent
Be truthful. Be honest. Don’t shy away from being your true self in front of your children. Don’t hide your vulnerabilities with white lies. Be transparent. Transparency is a fixed deposit that will always help you grow as a person and make your relationships stronger. A transparent parent can lay a strong foundation of trust in a child. So make sure your actions are oriented accordingly.
To summarize, “children are like wet cement; whatever falls on them makes an impression,” as rightly said by Haim Ginott. So ensure that you leave footprints of love, empathy, growth mindset, and healthy living.
Summary: 5 Tips To Become a Role Model For Your Kids
