As a father, it is really important that you make an effort to set a good example for your kids. As a parent, you are one of your child’s first and most enduring heroes, so they will undoubtedly be watching you to see how you behave when they are working out who they want to be and what kinds of behaviors they should be using.
Of course, us dads are only human, and we don’t ways get it right or know what we need to do to get a good example, which is why I’ve put together a list of some of the best things you can do to be a good role model for your children right now:
1. Break your bad habits
If you smoke or drink too much or are prone to spending way too much time on the internet, your kids will notice and they will more than likely emulate your bad habits when they are at an age to do so. That is why, it is ways worth working on your bad habits when they are young, whether that means going to rehab, setting stricter limits on yourself, or talking to a therapist. The fewer bad habits you have, the fewer your kids are likely to develop – it really is that simple.
2. Stay calm
As a parent, it is easy to react emotionally when your kids are playing up or something bad has happened. If you want to set a good example to your children, however, it is best to keep your emotions in check and stay as calm as you can, if you shout and scream, then your kids will learn that it is fine to tantrum or behave angrily towards people who do not behave as you would like, and this could not only lead to behavioral issues, but it could end up scaring them quite a lot too. Learn to regulate your emotions and you will do a great service to your kids.
4. Treat everyone fairly
If you treat everyone you meet with total fairness and equal kindness, you will set a great example to your children about the importance of tolerance and acceptance. Of course, you should teach them that they have their own boundaries that they should protect, but you also need to show them that being fair, first and foremost is the right thing to do.
5. Assert your boundaries
You do not want your kids to be taken advantage of or treated unfairly, which is why you need to be seen to assert your boundaries in daily life. Practice saying no firmly but fairly or calmly telling people why something they are doing is unfair to you and your kids will learn to stand up for themselves too.
Setting a good example for your kids means leading the best life you can in the fairest and moral way you can. Yes, you might fail occasionally, but if you can admit your mistakes and get back on the horse again, and if you try your best to be the good person your kids believe you to be, you will do a great job – good luck!
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