Raising happy, well-adjusted children has never been an easy task. In our increasingly negative world, it’s even harder to raise happy and well-adjusted children. But this is not impossible. You have the most influence on your child as a parent, especially in the early years.
You are your child’s role model, regardless of whether you want to be. You must lead by example and influence your child’s attitude and behavior. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s not necessary to be a ‘perfect parent’ to set a good example for your children. Start by doing a serious self-examination and making some positive changes in your life.
Table of Contents
Self-Improvement First
We can all improve ourselves. You can’t fail if you begin with this assumption and then make a real effort to improve. Be aware of what you say and do, and try to correct yourself. You have to put in the effort to always be on your best behaviour because your children are watching you. You can be sure that your child will copy your behavior, your attitude, your words, and even your quirks.
Love yourself
To be your healthiest, you must also be your best self. You can’t be an excellent role model if your health is neglected. It means getting enough rest, eating healthily, exercising daily, taking some time off, improving your self-esteem, and, if needed, seeking treatment for stress or anxiety disorders. This will not only help your child learn about healthy eating and fitness but also make you a more involved and active parent.
Be a Better Spouse
It may seem strange to ask a role model to be a better wife, but if you are raising your children together as a family, it is important. The way you treat your partner is the first thing that your child learns about adult relationships. Children can feel tension and hostility just as much as they can love and warmth. Your child’s relationship with your partner will be the most influential factor in their perception of relationships. It will influence her later relationships to a great extent.
Be an Upstanding Guy or Gal
You need to be someone who can be trusted by everyone, especially your child. It means that you must keep your promises to your child, no matter how small they may seem. If you promised to take your child to the petting zoo on the weekend, do not cancel at the last moment because you have a new project at work. The work should not always be the priority, especially outside of normal working hours.
Be Altruistic
There’s nothing wrong with parents wanting to spoil their kids. You need to step back from time to time. You don’t wish for your child to become a self-centered, obnoxious adult. Your example can encourage your child to become selfless and empathic. You can help others by being more compassionate. You don’t need to be a selfless person who puts the needs of others before his or her own. But you can do what you can.
Show your Grit
There’s no need to sugarcoat the truth. If you raise a child believing that the world is fair and perfect, it can lead to disappointment and failure in adulthood. Let your child know the hard work it takes to achieve goals and that nothing good comes easy.
You can be the one who achieves what seems impossible by sheer determination and perseverance. People who have overcome poverty, loss, and discrimination are the most inspirational. This is a message of inspiration that will help your child to keep going when things get tough.
Own up & Apologize
You will slip up despite your best efforts to improve yourself. Lose your temper, scream, and curse at your spouse. Or be judgmental and talk ill about your neighbors. No matter how justified or what your reason for rage was, it doesn’t matter. You should own up to your mistakes and try to make amends. It is healthy for children to see their parents accept responsibility for their actions and self-impose consequences.
