What Every Parent Ought to Know About Being a Role Model

As a parent, you know your children pay more attention to what you do than to what you say. They look up to you and imitate your actions. In fact, modeling is one of the most effective ways to encourage the values and behavior you want for your children. Try these tips to help you set a shining example.

Role-Modeling for Social and Emotional Development

1.      Resolve conflicts. Show your kids how to settle differences peacefully and respectfully. Be willing to forgive and collaborate on reaching compromises.

2.      Listen attentively. It’s easy to become distracted when your child wants to give you a 30 minute recap of a 10 minute cartoon. Remind yourself to be present for them. Be true to your word if you suggest talking about it after you finish making dinner.

3.      Cultivate relationships. Your children observe how you interact with others. Give them a head start on forming strong and supportive friendships by establishing a pattern they’ll want to follow.

4.      Be kind and generous. If you want your kids to share their toys, you need to do the same. Sign up for family events where you can volunteer together at a food kitchen or animal shelter. Speak politely to others even when you’re in a rush or feeling blue.

5.      Grow spiritually. Encourage your children to find a purpose in their life. Pray with them and help them to grow in their relationship with the Lord.

Role-Modeling for Healthy Behavior

1.      Eat your vegetables. One out of three children in America are overweight or obese and most illnesses occur because of how one may take care of there body. Minimizing junk food and getting most of your calories from vegetables and fruits are two of the most effective strategies. Healthy eating will help them through their development while also instilling healthy habits that will last with them their whole life.

2.      Exercise regularly. Physical activity is another important part of the equation. Walk up the stairs instead of using the elevator, especially when your kids are around. Do stretches together and play outside as much as your can during those nice days of weather.

3.      Continue learning. Minds need conditioning too. Your kids are more likely to read books and be interested in scripture if you join them for bedtime stories and creative play. Help them to life learners and encourage them in what inspires them.

4.      Manage stress. Teach your kids how to respond to pressure and make time for relaxation. Invite them to stretch & pray with you, and turn off your phone during dinner.

5.      Demonstrate safety. Kids tend to think they’re invincible, but you can train them to make caution a habit. Explain why you don’t drive when you’re tired.

Role-Modeling for Financial Responsibility

1.      Stick to a budget. When your kids ask for fancy electronics, turn it into a teaching moment. Reveal how you balance your income and expenses. Reining in excess spending now will help your kids avoid credit card debt later.

2.      Save for the future. Put aside some money from each paycheck for retirement or home improvement projects. You may inspire your kids to devote a portion of their babysitting loot for college.

3.      Pursue meaningful work. Bring your kids to the office or take pictures so they can see what do for a living. Describe how your interests led you to your current career. Have those conversations about the importance of using your talents and gifts to serve others and to work for something more than just monetary things while being a good financial steward of income.

4.      Break free from materialism. Most of all, clarify your own philosophy about money. Your kids will notice your priorities. Money doesn’t buy happiness, pure joy comes from the Lord as we live in thanksgiving for what we have. Positive feeds positive, but it all comes from gratitude and how we connect to those around us.

Naturally, you’ll slip sometimes, but you can use those setbacks as learning opportunities to discuss what happened and make positive changes. Your children are watching each move you make, so guide them towards happiness, success and a more purposeful life.

Live intentionally focused 😉