Role Models in a Child's Life
A role model is a person who serves as an example by influencing others. For many children, the most important role models are their parents and caregivers. Children look up to a variety of role models to help shape how they behave in school, in relationships, or when making difficult decisions. Children also look up to other relatives, teachers, coaches, and peers. Children may try to copy the behavior and appearance of celebrities, such as athletes and entertainers, and characters from books, TV, movies, or video games. Some parents may want to help their children choose positive role models.
Here are some helpful suggestions for discussing role models with your child and for serving as a positive role model yourself :
- Have your child identify what qualities he admires in his role model
- Give examples of people in your community who you feel have positive qualities and are a good influence on others
- Talk about people you look up to for guidance and inspiration
A positive role model serves as an example–inspiring children to live meaningful lives. Role models come into young people’s lives in a variety of ways. They are educators, civic leaders, mothers, fathers, clergy, peers, and ordinary people encountered in everyday life. My study showed that being a role model is not constrained to those with fancy titles or personal wealth. In fact, students were quick to state that “a true role model is not the person with the best job title, the most responsibility, or the greatest fame to his or her name.” Anyone can inspire a child to achieve their potential in life.
Negative role models, however, may also influence children. Sometimes widely admired public figures can make poor personal choices. Young children may assume that the behaviors of negative role models are typical, safe, and acceptable. Parents and caregivers can intervene by emphasizing that role model who embrace inappropriate behavior, violence, racism, sexism, and drug and alcohol abuse are not acceptable.
Some suggestions to help you talk to your child about role models who have made mistakes are :
- Remind your child that all people have both good and bad qualities and that anyone can make a mistake. Explain that it is important to apologize and to learn from our mistakes.
- Ask your child what he thinks of the role model's behavior.
- Ask what he would have done differently in the situation.
- Give examples of more positive and healthy ways to handle the situation.
If you have concerns that your child is being negatively influenced by his role model, work with your child to identify more appropriate role models.
- Encourage your child to become involved in activities that reflect your values, such as religious programs, athletics, after-school programs, clubs, or volunteering.
- Remind your child that he or she does not have to do everything that the role model does. Your child can copy what he or she likes but still be him or herself.
- Help your child identify more positive role models.
Credits: rootsofaction.com
