As a parent, one of the many, many, things that you might have worried about is being a good role model for your children. We want the best for them, but we also want them to be everything that they can be, and it’s important to recognize that they learn much more than what they are taught. You might teach your children to count, to tie their shoes, to use the toilet and to eat with excellent table manners. Teach them to be polite and courteous and to respect other people. You could teach them to listen, and how to read and write.
But, they’ll learn a lot more. They’re watching you all of the time, taking it all in, even when you think they’re paying no attention. Everything you do as a parent is being learned from. So, it’s important that you become a great role model. Here are some things that you can do, to help your children form positive relationships and be an all-around fantastic human.
Learn
When kids think about learning, they think of school. This will be positive for some, but not for others. As a parent, it’s vital that you show them that you are never too old to learn. That you teach them that knowledge is a great thing, and one of the few things that you can never have too much of. Do this by learning every day.
Go back to school to study an education ma online, read with them, ask them to teach you things, ask about their days at school and don’t be scared to admit that you don’t know something. Let them see that sometimes adults don’t have the answers, but they go out and find them when they need to.
Exercise
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After a love of learning, a love of exercise is one of the most important things to instil in your children. Exercise keeps us fit and healthy, and it should be something that’s done outside of PE lessons at school. Take them out for walks, run around the park with them, let them see you going swimming or to the gym and don’t ever complain about it. Show them that exercise can be fun.
Embrace Your Body
Most of us are at least some of the time critical of some parts of our body, and few of us consider how this is affecting our child. When they look at you, they see their wonderful and beautiful mommy, regardless of what you think of yourself. Every time you complain about your weight or how you look or deny yourself something because of a diet, they take it in. You’re teaching them to aspire to an unattainable perfection.
By all means, eat healthily, diet and exercise. Even make plans to change your body. But, do it positively. Teach your children to love and respect themselves. Show them how to eat a balanced diet and have a healthy relationship with food.
Love Your Friends
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Relationships are hard. If you stick with friendships that make you unhappy or stay in abusive relationships, what are you teaching your child? That it’s ok, or even normal to be treated that way. Cut negativity, and love those that love you and make you feel great. Be a good friend, be positive and supportive and make sure you get the same back.