Role Models

WHAT IS A ROLE MODEL?

A role model is an individual whom another person, especially children, looks up to, respects, holds in high esteem and wishes to emulate their level of achievements and behaviour.

A good role model has a positive effect and influence on others. 

A good role model is very important because children are very easily influenced. 

WHY ARE ROLE GOOD MODELS IMPORTANT?

Good role models are very important for children. 

1. A good role model sets an example for the child to follow in many aspects of life. This is important for the development of good habits, positive thoughts and good behavioural patterns. 

2. When a child has a good role model they are influenced, motivated and encouraged to engage in positive and constructive actions.

3. A good role model often plays a significant role in the shaping of a child’s thoughts.

4. A good role model plays a role in what the child believes is acceptable and non-acceptable behaviour. 

5. A good role model can be a force of direction for a child to copy.

6. A good role model is an inspiration to a child to go ahead and achieve.

7. A good role model can be an example of hard work, effort and kind behaviour. They can bring riches and happiness to a person’s life. 

WHO SHOULD YOUR CHILD PICK AS THEIR ROLE MODEL?

The most important factor of a role model for your child is:

1. They must pick someone who makes them feel good about themselves, their life, and their future.
2. They must pick someone who inspires them to improve themselves.
3. They must pick someone who gives them confidence.
4. They must pick someone whom they admire.
5. They must pick someone who is living life the way your child would like to live their life.

CAN IT BE ANYBODY OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE SOMEONE FAMOUS?

A role model can be anybody, not just someone famous. It can be a teacher, a parent, an uncle or aunt or coach. 

A role model is an individual’s choice. It is a personal choice. Different people, whether famous or not, make us feel different things. Somebody who inspires you may have no effect on someone else. 

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH YOUR CHILD’S ROLE MODEL?

If your child informs you that they have a role model, their picture is on their wall, they look up to them, and you are disappointed at your child’s choice you must be careful what you say and do.

When you want to discuss role models with your child please read the following points first. They may help you.

1. Choose a role model yourself first. Think about what you like about them, what qualities they have that you like, how they make you feel and how they inspire you. 
2. Then ask your child who their role model is and why they have chosen this role model. Ask what is it about them that makes your child look up to them?
3. Ask if their role model inspires them and why. You may be surprised at their answer. 
4. Then tell your child who your role model is and why. Explain how your role model makes you feel and how they inspire you. 
5. Your child will find this discussion interesting because they will be learning something about you. This is a chance to ‘indirectly’ show your child what a proper role model is.
6. After listening to you your child may think long and hard about their own role model and either you will reinforce their role model or you may inspire them to find a new one similar to yours.

HOW TO BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL YOURSELF?

They say your children will do as you do and not as you say. Being a good role model is a part of good parenting. Your children will emulate your behaviour and very often mirror you. They are watching, observing, analysing and taking in everything you do and say. You shape them, you subconsciously direct their thoughts and sculpt their future careers, their behaviour and relationships.

Some things that you can be a good role model for are: 

1. Eat a healthy balanced diet – It is important you set an example to your child that the foods you eat affect your well-being and how you look and feel. 

2. Drink moderately – Show your child that a glass here and there is acceptable but it is not acceptable to become dependent upon alcohol and use it as a crutch or as a means to relax every evening. 

3. Exercise regularly – Show your child that exercise is an important part of daily life which will enable them to look and feel great.

4. Help others – When your child sees you help others in need, volunteer and care for others, they will do the same.

5. Kindness to others – Show your child that being kind to others is part and parcel of daily life and there is joy in doing so. Show them the satisfaction you get from being kind to others.

6. No gender specific tasks – It is very important to teach boys and girls that everyone helps around the home and everyone cooks and raises children. It is up to parents to show that many tasks are not gender specific; they are for everyone.  

7. Listen – Show your child how to be a good listener by being one. When those around you want to talk, listen carefully and intently. 

8. Be positive – By looking at the bright side of life, seeing the good in others and finding the joy in things, you will teach your child how to be positive and happy.

9. Goals – Tell your children your aims and goals and put energy towards them to try and achieve them. By always having goals (no matter how small or big) your children will learn that setting goals is part of daily life.

10. Enjoy healthy relationships – It is very important to show your child how to have, care for, look after and enjoy relationships with others (your partner, siblings, friends, parents and colleagues) so your child can do the same in the future.