Kids may wear t-shirts with their favourite superheroes and hang up posters of actors and musicians, but their biggest role models will always be their parents. This means that in addition to all the other responsibilities that you’ll have as a parent, you will also need to set a good example for your kids. Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy every self-help book and undergo intensive changes in your behaviour. We’ve some simple, practical advice on how you can be a better role model for your children today.
Demonstrate a healthy relationship with technology
Technology is becoming such a big of our lives that most of us spend more time interacting with technology than we do with people in person. So, unless you plan to remove yourself from society entirely, attempting to shield your kids from technology is effectively impossible. Instead, you need to show them what a healthy relationship with screens looks like. If they see you constantly scrolling on your phone every waking moment, what do you think they’re going to do? Start by introducing quality content, like free kids cartoons that are as educational as they are fun.
Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is all about moderation. By this, we mean finding the balance between enjoying yourself and taking care of yourself. Show your children that things like exercising, not overindulging in junk food and getting enough sleep are not only good but normal. If you can establish healthy habits early, your children will be more likely to continue with them for years to come.
Be open
Creating the illusion that you were a perfect child can actually have a negative impact on kids as you will set an impossible standard for them to achieve. Instead, show them the value of openness. Share some of your mistakes (not all), share how you’re feeling, and in some cases, share when you’re struggling. This helps them to understand the value of openness and being empathetic to others.
Understand respect
Don’t fall into the trap of simply demanding respect from your children. Instead, try to show them that respect is a two-way street and that it is earned. Understanding this will help them to build stronger and more constructive relationships as they get older.
Show them how to fail
Fear of failure for some can be a powerful motivator. For most people though, it serves as a barrier to pushing themselves as they’d rather not try something for fear of it going wrong. Failure doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, it is a powerful learning tool that helps everyone to grow and be their best. Modelling this behaviour to your children will set them up for success.
Wrapping Up
Being a good role model is important. Follow the steps in this guide and you’ll not only better yourself, but help your children to grow too.