"With every word we utter, with every action we take. We know our kids are watching us. We as parents are their most important role models." - Michelle Obama
A child sees their parents much more than they see anybody, they see how they behave, how they respond, how they handle situations. Basically, observe everything that you might not even realize they do. At first, it starts with observation, then learning and with time they start picking up on things they see and mimic them. As infants, this is how children learn how to eat, walk and talk. What you do shows your child how you want them to behave, for example how you cope with feelings like anger and sorrow influences your child on how they should deal with their emotions. In simpler words, you're shaping them into a person you want them to become. Parenting can be tough, but one of the most basic ways you can raise your children is simply by being a good role model for them. So, they look up to you and become the best version of themselves.
Importance of parents as role models
The hard challenge for parents is to provide a positive example as often as possible. And we all get it. It's almost impossible to have a positive response to every situation. It's human to lose your calm and argue, nobody's perfect and there's a good chance that you end up doing something that you wish your child hadn't seen or heard, but the important thing is to try the best you can to set up a positive example for them. So, even if you mess up it's not the end of the world, fix your mistake, apologize and explain to them why you did what you did. Like we all already know, “communication is key”. Share your concerns with them and try to contribute to their personal growth and development, but make sure to also give them their personal space.
How to be a good role model for your child?
Respect for others and yourself
As mentioned earlier, your child observes and learns from your behavior. They're certainly going to observe how you treat and talk to others, like if you help someone cross the street, if you're respectful towards elders and stand up for people. And that also includes knowing your worth and not letting anybody disrespect you in any case.
Eating habits
Do you ever scold your child for not eating enough vegetables, but you don't eat them either? Well, that has to change. Every so often you have to teach them the importance of things by doing it yourself and setting examples, that is the best way you can get them to do things.
Working on emotions
Do you hate when your child throws tantrums or gets angry at the bare minimum things? And how about you? How do you usually respond to things that annoy you? Anger is a natural reaction and you just can't help it sometimes, but remember this is a good opportunity to educate your child, next time try to deal with the issue calmly. Your child is probably going to learn from it and have a better reaction next time.
Optimistic viewpoint
Ups and downs are a part of everybody's life. What's important is to get yourself back up and get everything together. So, the next time you mess things up, teach your child that everybody makes mistakes and there's no point in dwelling over the things that went wrong, learn from it and move on.
Use of technology
Technology has become an indispensable part of all our lives. But what you need to do is set boundaries for your children. The Internet is a wide and dangerous place, and you don't want their hands to get on something that's not appropriate for them.
Conclusion
Parents serve as role models for their children not only through the interactions they have, but also through the examples they set. The outlook you have towards the outside world might be how they are going to see it as well. People often forget love is not enough. A person, especially a child, also needs support and respect. Take the time to listen to them, understand how they feel and let them express their concerns, try to put yourself in their shoes. The stronger relationship you have with your child, the more you'll influence them. If you value your child's ideas, support them, give them attention and respect their thoughts, They're going to do the same with you and If they value your opinions, they are more likely to come to you for guidance. You have to make them want your guidance, not force it upon them.
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