We are faced with many challenges in life. We can't avoid making mistakes and stumbling. There is a lot of pressure to be good at everything, but that's an impossible task. The only way we can overcome our obstacles is to learn from them and help each other out. It takes a village, not an empire.
In this post I will highlight some of the most common activities you can do with your little ones in order to set the example for what it means to lead by example, even when things get challenging for you and your child(ren). I will also give suggestions on how you can help your children learn to choose what's right and make good choices.
In my opinion, parents are the most important role models their child has. I know of many adults who still have a lot of growing up to do because they never learned how to be children themselves. They never had the chance to enjoy playtime and having a good time with their parents, or being told stories and having fun adventures with their mom and dad. They never had that one special person in their lives who took them by the hand and showed them how life works. If you want your kids to grow up with the tools they need for life, you have to be that role model for them.
Therefore, parenting is an act of leading. You are making choices and decisions everyday which will greatly affect your child. Even if you don't want to, you are giving them moral and spiritual guidance through how you live your life. If you want them to follow in your footsteps, you have to do so yourself first in a clear way.
Here are some activities I would recommend for every parent:
1) Lead by Example - I am not a religious person, but there are many things that point to the fact that we were created by a higher power to grow as human beings and be examples for each other. We were created with free will. While our faith in God can be tested, there is certainly no reason to stop trusting.
2) When your child makes a mistake, help them see the error in their ways. Show them how to turn mistakes into lessons. Help them see that mistakes don't have to be devastating or painful for them but can be used to shape their character and lead them down the right path.
3) Lead by example with your clothing choices. Wear clothes that show respect and modesty, not seductive and provocative clothing that sends the wrong message to your children. If you want your kids to live modestly, act modestly yourself!
4) Show kindness and compassion towards others even when it's not easy for you to do so. Don't take for granted how much others do for you. Be grateful.
5) Be consistent in your parenting. If you are a teacher, parent, or grandparent, teach the same morals and values to your children so that they know what to expect from you.
6) It's alright to ask questions and make mistakes as long as you learn from them. So don't be afraid to admit when they get it wrong or make a mistake. They need to know that they can come to you and make mistakes without fear of being blamed or punished.
7) Don't be afraid to show that you care about your child's life outside of their education and family life. One way to show they care is by showing that you are interested in their projects, interests and hobbies.
8) Make it your goal to teach them good character traits and values. Show them what it means to be kind, loving, honest, respectful, responsible and caring towards others. Teach them how to make good choices that will help them in life.
9) When you're disciplining children, don't just be a money-grubbing drill sergeant but also demonstrate a fair balance between discipline and love. Take into consideration their age, personality and character before you spank or punish them.
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