Role Model Parents
By Icia Reid-Sandulak)
Your children model your behaviors in many ways. Whatever you do, your children are watching. You know the old saying “do as I say, but not as I do”. As parents you know that this is not a realistic goal for your children. Your children are more likely to do as you do, since you are the first and most important teacher in their life. You want your children to model your good behaviors, and only the good ones, right? Your children look up to you as their parent, their guide, their hero, and their mentor. If you around fighting with your neighbors , friends, and family, or ignoring rules, or even giving your middle finger to those who offend you, that is behavior your children will see as appropriate when they are interacting with their peers. Your children are watching when you think they are not!
On the bright side, you can take comfort in knowing that you are teaching positive behaviors. Don’t forget that you serve as role models not only through direct interaction with your children, but also though example shown with your attitude and behavior when you interact with others. There are no perfect parents; therefore, as parents you will have shortcomings in your parenting roles. It is up to you to take personal time out when necessary, to avoid negative interaction. Your children will admire this behavior. It is okay to make mistakes as long as you do not keep making the same mistakes. Your children are like sponges, they will soak up all the good behaviors and the bad behaviors too. Be sure to set more good examples. It will be healthier for you and your children. Don’t forget, you are the most important person in your children’s lives.
Icia Reid-Sandulak , has been working with children for the last 20 years. She has a background in Social Work and is the mother of four children, one son and three daughters. Presently, she is the director of Apple Grove Foster Care Agency and invites anyone who aspires to be a foster parent to contact the office for information.