One of the best
things that you can do as a parent is simple, become a role model. BY living
your life in a positive manner, you can enrich the life of your children for
the rest of their lives. Instead of focusing on the old adage of, “do as I say,
not as I do”, you can show them how to live fruitful, powerful lives by the way
that you choose to live yours. Kids will emulate their parents, especially the
bad habits that may not be empowering for them. With that in mind, consider the
following steps to help become a role model with focus on self determination
today.
Get Things Done –
Time Management
The first way to start on this quest is to get things done
from the moment you get up to the moment you go to sleep. Show children how to
manage their time. That includes not hitting the snooze button, but instead
getting up at the alarm, and fighting through fatigue. Show them that you may
not like waking up early and getting your day started, but you fight through it.
Don’t become lax here, fight through it knowing that they are going to emulate
you. Set up a to-do list and slowly cross things out as you go through and show
children that they can do the same. At the end of the day, compare lists, and
you’ll be able to show that you go through ups and downs, but you keep pressing
forward.
Never Stop Learning –
Take A Class
Show children that adulthood doesn’t mean that you don’t
learn new things. Take a class, experience something new, and showcase a bit of
struggle. Let them know that it’s ok to do hard things, and progress slowly.
When stumped, consider taking up something that involves visual progression.
For instance, take an art class, or learn how to play an instrument. Show that
you are capable to struggle and success through the learning process and they
will have an illustrated way of knowing that they are not alone in their own
struggles with learning at school, and in other areas.
Eat Right and
Exercise
The last way to become a role model of self determination is
to keep healthy. This is a real life struggle for a grand majority of people.
Make sure that you highlight the importance of this simple daily task. By
working on the discipline that it takes to work out, eat right, and maintain
weight, you are going to exemplify healthy living. It is important to highlight
good habits, and this is one that may seem easy on paper, but many parents
struggle with. Managing time, pursuing good health, and succeeding in this will
definitely prove beneficial in both the short, and long term.
These are just starting points in regards to becoming a
better role model. It’s easy to rest on laurels, go through motions, and try to
just coast. Shake things up and find new ways to change yourself, your routine,
because children are no doubt watching and shaping their lives alongside yours.
