November Parent Pointer
BE A ROLE MODEL!
Who is your role model? Who is your child's role model? You? Yes.
Whether you know it or not, you are a role model for your child. Research shows that an overwhelming number of young people look up to their parents and other family members as examples to follow.
- Nearly half of young women respondents say they look to their mothers as their role model, according to one online survey.
- Almost half of the teens in another survey say their role model is a family member, not a pop icon or sports star.
Families as Teachers
You can set a good example by putting time and effort into your relationships with your child and other family members. Family life provides meaningful opportunities to demonstrate healthy behaviors every day. When you and your family show caring and respect toward each other, you provide excellent examples for your child to follow:
- Talk openly, honestly, and respectfully; think before you speak, and acknowledge your child's point of view, especially when there is conflict.
- Praise your child's positive qualities and behavior.
- Spend time together regularly; do things your child enjoys.
- Have family meals together and engage in family activities on a regular basis.
- Make some family gatherings alcohol-free to show your children that you don't need alcohol to have a good time.
