Kids & Role Models
A role model is a person who serves as an example by influencing others. For many children, the most important role models are their parents and care givers. However, children look up to a variety of role models to help shape how they behave in school, friendships and relationships or when making difficult decisions. These role models will include their relatives, teachers, peers, and celebrities.
Recognizing that we are our children’ s greatest influence, there are behaviours and values that we try to instil in our kids through both explanation and demonstration. We also know that the people our children are surrounded by will pose as major role models that may influence our kids in both positive and negative ways. So how will we ensure our kids act as positive role models to others, while simultaneously support their choosing of positive role models?
Having an open conversation with your child can help give you an idea as to what is important to them and what kinds of things they are into.
Ask them to identify which qualities he / she admires in his / her role models. Acknowledging the ones that you agree with will let them know that they are on the right track. Give examples of people in your community who you feel are a good influence on others. Talk about people you look up to and why. Educate them. Talk about the importance of values. Lead by example. Get involved in things that demonstrate positive choices, lifestyles and so on. Bring them with you, and acknowledge them for trying and doing these things. Remind them that they don’ t have to do everything that their role model does, sometimes people make mistakes. Its important to identify poor behaviour and follow your instincts and values. Ask them what they think about various behaviours. Give them examples of positive ways to handle dilemmas and hard situations. Encourage them to get involved in activities that reflect the values that are important to you and around other kids with similar goals and values.
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