Positive Parenting

I have written a couple articles lately on positive parenting and being a positive role model to a child. I love these articles because in writing them it reminds me to be wary of the same things in my own parenting. Sometimes we can fall victim to our own laziness as parents, and begin to take for granted a child's good behavior. It is important for them, and for us, to keep the eye on the prize. It is vital for kids to hear positive reinforcement when they do something good.

In order to be a good role model to a child, one first has to lead by example. If a child sees an adult who is consistently being negative, talking about people behind their backs, and generally being a negative person, they are not going to turn around and listen to that person tell them to look at the glass half full. If it is not something an adult is willing to do themselves, then a child is not going to do it.

If we are trying to instill good habits in our children, we must exemplify good habits for them. Eating healthy, exercising, taking time for ourselves is leading by example for our children. When they see us take care of our bodies, and make ourselves a priority, it gives them the message that they too must take care of themselves. By showing children that we care enough to treat our bodies with care, we teach them the same about their own bodies.

Taking an active role in a child's education is also a must for good role models. We cannot just sit back and lecture about doing homework, and studying for tests. We parents have to go to whatever meetings we have the ability to attend, and have an open line of communication with teachers. A child needs to be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, which parents should be involved in as well. In essence, parents should be devoted to supporting their children 100% of the time.

Being a parent is no easy gig. It takes, hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears. It is our obligation to do our very best for our kids. They did not ask to be brought into this world, and so, we owe it to them to raise them with good moral values, a nurturing home, and an uplifting spirit. We owe it to them to give them the best start possible, because how awful would it be to watch them spending an adulthood trying to fix what we broke.