Children put their parents on pedestals. You are the first person who influences them for good or bad. They love, trust and seek your approval throughout their lives. You are the person they most want to impress. The gravity of this role can crush a parent…or a child. Here’s what it means to be a role model for your young ones.
What Is a Role Model?
We often attribute this title to sports stars, celebrities, or public figures. What makes them more deserving than others? For one, maybe they have made a tough decision, showed positive conduct in the face of overwhelming odds or they have a difficult job. You know what? Each of the above reasons also applies to parents. As the sole responsible party for your child from their birth, it is your job to teach, guide and introduce them to the world (Is that all?).
But, role models don’t live in a vacuum. While you are performing all of these tasks for your child, life is happening. Society is weighing in on how well you are doing just like the neighbors, the school and anyone else who want to voice an opinion.
People who decide to parent are courageous. It is a decision. The role of parent means a lifetime of challenges but also a lifetime of joy, admiration and triumph. Are you willing to shoulder the mantle?
Use these points to help you become a role model for your child.
1. Admit your mistakes and learn from them – Parents are going to make mistakes. The key is to own them and then taking steps to correct what was wrong to form a better behavior.
2. Develop strategies for life – Stress is a part of interacting with others but it doesn’t have to be bad. Creating a strategy for dealing with stressful situations helps to turn potentially trying issues into opportunities for wiser management.
3. Take time for self – Every person needs a little time to decompress. It could be engaging in an activity that you love, meditating, exercising or talking with a friend. The idea is to detach oneself from the mains and regroup for improved mental, spiritual, emotional and physical wellness.
4. Strive for consistency – You are the parent and not your child’s friend. Discipline is usually the hardest area for parents. If you have set down rules for consequences, follow them. A child may balk at the rules but deep down, they are using your consistency as a foundation that makes them feel safe and loved.
In order to model positive and supportive behaviors for your child, a parent has to become transparent in many ways.