I came across this article in ALL WOMAN which quoted me from a seminar I did entitled "Getting the Best Out of Our Children".
8 things your child must see you do
Nadine Wilson
Monday, February 11, 2013
WE are sure you might have heard the saying, "do as I say, but not as I do". Unfortunately, when it comes to raising children, this phrase just won't cut it, because your child will more than likely want to mirror what they see you do.
If you want your children to have good values and attitudes, then you will have to portray these, so they can see. You, more than anyone else, should strive to be the model citizen your child would want to emulate.
"Be a good role model for your child as you are their first teacher. Instil values and good attitudes in your child from the day they are born," encouraged business and life coach Christine Morris.
"The role of parents is to bring up their children so they become mature, independent adults," she said.
If you are to become a role model for your children, then you ought to let them see you do these basic things:
1. Respect your elders. Show respect to everyone, including your elders. Let your child see you being quick to open the door for an old lady or man, or offer them your seat if they are standing in a bus. Let them see you address them by proper titles instead of speaking to them in a degrading manner.
2. Don't litter. Next time you think about throwing a candy wrapper out the car window, think about your child in the back seat and consider what they would take away from your action. If your child doesn't think that cleanliness matters, then why should they clean their room when you tell them to?
3. Consider the feelings of others. If your child sees you being an arrogant and selfish person, then they will have less of a chance of being a kind-hearted and gentle individual. Unless they have someone in their life that is far more influential than you, then it won't be hard for them to follow in your footsteps and put down people.
4. Don't lie. The best way to encourage honesty in your children is to be honest yourself. You should always endeavour to avoid any kind of deception, even the most innocuous one. If you can't do something for someone, just tell them instead of lying about it.
5. Stand up for your rights. Let your child see you being assertive instead of being a walkover. Know your rights and be willing to defend them. Don't be someone who just always wants to fit in with the crowd just because this is easier.
6. Go to church. If you send your child to Sunday School while you stay home, then your child will probably come to believe that there is no value in being a member of a congregation. "Go to church with your children, have family devotions and involve them in activities which build their character," Morris advised.
7. Be independent. Don't let your child see you devaluing yourself for personal gains. If you are being physically abused by a man, for example, don't be afraid to leave that relationship and if needs be, give back some of your material possessions, but still maintain your dignity.
8. Apologise for wrong doing. Let your child know it's okay to say you are sorry. Don't be afraid to be the bigger person and admit when you have done or said something wrong.
2 Comments
- Sean H. The one most important thing has been left out WORK
Children must know about work, whether around the house, in the yard or at the office. - disqus_kRFdP0G0dv These and others should be published all over the press, in schools, billboards and signs everywhere. We have lost touch with these simple acts and now we are suffering because of it. Hopefully this is not just confined to the pages of "All Woman". Lets spread it around.
About the Author
Christine Morris is a Business and Life Coach/Peak Performance Coach, NLP Practitioner who specialises in coaching individuals and groups from all walks of life achieve their goals in less time than they thought possible, with results above their expectations.
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