LUCAS GRAHAM
There’s a thin line between being a dad and being a role model.
Being a role model isn’t just about telling your kids what to do, it’s about showing them how through your actions.
But to be that role model, there are certain behaviors that simply won’t fly. It’s not just about ditching the bad habits, but also about embracing the good ones.
In this piece, we’re going to talk about the 8 behaviors you need to say goodbye to if you want to be a role model for your children. Because let’s face it, they deserve the best version of you.
1) Passing judgment
To be a positive influence on your children, it’s essential to refrain from passing judgment.
Children are always observing and learning from our behaviors. And when they see us passing judgment on others, they learn to do the same.
It’s a natural human tendency to form opinions about others based on their actions or behaviors. However, as a role model, it’s crucial to show your children the importance of empathy and understanding.
Show them that everyone has their own unique story. That it’s better to understand and empathize, rather than jumping to conclusions and passing judgment.
Remember, your children are watching and learning from you. And this is one behavior you can’t afford to pass on.
2) Losing temper
We’re all human, and we all have our moments of frustration. I remember a time when I lost my temper over something trivial. I snapped at my son when he accidentally spilled milk on the floor.
In that moment, I saw fear in his eyes. He was scared, not of the mess he made, but of my reaction to it. That’s when I realized the impact of my actions. My anger wasn’t teaching him to be careful, it was teaching him to fear mistakes.
From that day on, I made a promise to myself to control my temper in front of my children. Instead of reacting instantly, I took a deep breath and dealt with the situation calmly.
That incident taught me that losing temper doesn’t solve problems, it only creates more. It’s one behavior we must say goodbye to if we want to be good role models for our children.
3) Unhealthy lifestyle choices
Our lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on our children. According to research, children who grow up in households where parents smoke are more likely to become smokers themselves.
Similarly, children are more likely to adopt unhealthy eating habits and lead sedentary lifestyles if they see their parents doing the same.
Being a role model means promoting healthy habits, like regular exercise, balanced meals, and a smoke-free environment.
Making these positive changes not only improves your health, but also sets the right example for your children to lead healthier lives.
4) Dishonesty
Trust is the foundation of every relationship, and it holds true for your relationship with your children as well.
Dishonesty, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, can erode that trust. Whether it’s lying about why you can’t attend their school event or making up stories to avoid difficult conversations, dishonesty sends the wrong message.
Children are observant and they pick up on these behaviors. It teaches them that lying is an acceptable way to handle difficult situations.
Being a role model means embracing honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about teaching them the value of truth and integrity in all aspects of life.
5) Lack of respect for others
Living in a society, we interact with different people every day. How we treat these individuals, regardless of who they are, speaks volumes about our character.
If we want to raise children who are respectful and kind, we must first model that behavior. This means treating everyone—from the grocery store clerk to their school teacher—with genuine respect and courtesy.
Showing disrespect towards others, be it through words or actions, can leave a deep impact on your child’s impressionable mind.
By treating others with dignity, we teach our children a valuable lesson in humanity and empathy. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about acknowledging the inherent worth of every individual.
Remember, our actions towards others can either teach our children to build bridges or walls. Let’s choose bridges.
6) Neglecting self-care
For a long time, I fell into the trap of believing that taking time for myself was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Between work, parenting, and household responsibilities, there was barely a moment left for me.
But over time, this neglect began to take its toll. I started feeling worn out, irritable, and less patient with my children. That’s when I realized that by not taking care of myself, I was also failing to take care of my family.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. If we want to be the best role models for our children, we must show them the importance of taking care of our physical and mental health.
By incorporating self-care into our daily routine, we can be happier, healthier, and more present for our children. And isn’t that what being a good role model is all about?
7) Not owning up to mistakes
Nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes. But how we handle these mistakes can make a world of difference to our children.
Sweeping mistakes under the rug or blaming others sends the wrong message. It tells our children that it’s okay to evade responsibility and not accept fault.
On the other hand, admitting our mistakes and taking steps to rectify them teaches our kids a valuable lesson in humility and accountability.
Being a role model means showing our children that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as we learn from them and strive to do better. After all, growth lies not in perfection, but in constantly striving to improve.
8) Lack of communication
Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. It’s especially crucial in our relationship with our children.
Keeping lines of communication closed or ignoring their questions and concerns can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, and alienation.
On the other hand, fostering a culture of open dialogue can strengthen your bond with your children, making them feel heard, understood, and valued.
Being a role model means not just talking, but listening. It’s about understanding their perspectives, addressing their concerns, and guiding them through life’s ups and downs.
Because at the end of the day, your children need to know that their voice matters and they always have a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings with you.
Global English Editing
