Children are like mirrors. They reflect the habits, attitudes, and behaviors of their parents and caretakers, learning from us over time. Particularly at an early age, when your child can’t always distinguish between good and bad behaviors, they’ll be looking to you for guidance. As parents, it’s up to us to ensure we’re setting the right example for our children. The things you do during your child’s formative years will influence their behavior in the years to come. Fortunately, setting a good example doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. Here are ways you can invest in becoming the perfect image for your child to replicate.
Invest in Yourself
As a parent, it’s tempting to put your goals and ambitions to one side. After all, your main focus will be on looking after and supporting your children. However, if you want your children to grow up into happy, healthy, and empowered adults, you need to show them it’s ok to invest in themselves. If your children see you pursuing your goals and believing in yourself, they’re more likely to act in the same way. Investing in your education by exploring private loans for college and earning your degree can show your children how important it is to constantly develop their knowledge. If your education pays off in the form of a better job or career opportunity, they’ll see that the hard work they put into their studies really can pay off.
Be Accountable for Your Actions
Sometimes, parents assume they must be infallible or perfect to set a good example for their children. While it’s true that your kids might put you on a pedestal, particularly in their early years, showing them that you also make mistakes, and take accountability for your actions is important. Admitting to your children when you do something wrong shows them that they don’t have to be afraid of making mistakes. You can also improve the way they respond to issues and roadblocks in their lives, by showing them how they can grow and learn from their errors. Taking accountability for your actions shows a mature, growth mindset, that will benefit your children.
Be Kind
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, being kind is crucial to setting a good example for your children. Being kind doesn’t have to mean letting other people walk all over you, or constantly doling out compliments everywhere you go. And you can certainly still find an effective discipline strategy with your kids while keeping kindness at the forefront. However, it should mean showing your children how you can be compassionate, empathetic, and caring. Celebrate the mistakes of others, be understanding when people make mistakes, and show your children just how valuable a little kindness will be. This will help them to develop the emotional intelligence they need to not just thrive in the world of work, but in their relationships too.
Set the Right Example
Setting a good example for your children can seem like a complicated process. It’s tempting to put a lot of pressure on yourself to be the perfect role model. However, the reality is all you need to do is demonstrate behaviors that will benefit your child later in life. Show accountability, kindness, and a commitment to investing in your own growth, and your children are sure to learn from you.