Leading by example is one of the best ways parents can help their children make positive choices. Most of what kids learn during early childhood is gleaned from the input of others. The more important a person is to the child, the more critical their input. Use this guide as a starting point for thinking about how to model positive behaviors for your kids.
Modeling Charity
Parents should model charity to their children. This negates selfishness while helping to develop compassion for those less fortunate. Introducing the concept of empathy is a great way to teach children about charity from a young age.
Getting Active Together
Regular exercise helps increase brain health, maintain a healthy weight, and decrease the risk of multiple diseases. Make exercise a habit by getting active with your children. For example, consider taking a short walk around your neighborhood each day after dinner and before beginning your family’s bedtime routine. Take your children hiking, swimming, or bicycling. Another fun idea is to search for active classes, such as dance or martial arts, that your family can participate in together.
Seeking Higher Education
Help your children understand it’s never too early to start thinking about what they’d like to do as adults. Discuss their dream careers and how to best achieve them, whether it be college, technical school, or a certification course. Model the benefits of higher education for your children by enrolling in an online degree course.
If you’ve always wanted to work with young children, a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED) is an excellent choice. Online schooling allows you to pursue your degree at a pace that works best for you, between your other responsibilities.
Promoting Acceptance
Children aren’t born racist, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory. Promote acceptance in your children by modeling this behavior in your interactions with all people, especially those different from you. Teaching your children about racism and other types of hate is also essential.
As your kids get older and are exposed to certain things outside the home, they’re likely to have many questions. When talking about sensitive topics, such as racism, sexism, sexuality, and gender, be mindful and loving with the language you choose. It is important for building trust in your relationship that you develop the communication tools necessary to talk about difficult subjects.
Avoiding Illicit Substances
A national survey showed there were 136.5 million alcohol users in the United States during 2020. During this same period, 59.3 million people over 12 admitted to using illicit drugs at least once. These statistics prove all children are likely to eventually be confronted with the harsh realities of substance abuse. Peer pressure is one of the leading reasons children experiment with drugs and alcohol. One study found that teenagers think about the risks and rewards of their actions, but they’re more likely to ignore the risks than adults.
The best way to help your children avoid peer pressure is to model positive behaviors at home and keep an open conversation on the topic. Be honest with your children about the harmful effects of alcohol or drugs. Explain what peer pressure is and why it’s essential to be strong in those moments.
Help Kids Make Positive Life Choices
You can help your children make positive life choices by providing an excellent example for them to follow. By doing so you’ll be instilling within your children the tools that they’ll need to grow into healthy adults.
This article was brought to you by Leila Justice, a Positive Strategist and Counselor. For more information, contact her today!
Leila Justice a.k.a GratitudeYouth Advisor 