One of the toughest parts of parenting is role modeling for your children. It’s so hard to appear perfect at all times. But it is something that is of vital importance. Children pick up different habits and behavioral traits from their parents, because, right from a young age, they hone their observation skills to perfection! Moreover, nothing escapes them! Every little detail, however minor or insignificant it may seem to you, is observed by them and stored away in the computer that is their brain, for future reference.

So how do you go about being a good role model for your child? Firstly, you need to build a rapport with your child and a good one at that. This allows you to talk to them about important issues (no matter what, children will never come and share intimate details of their personal lives with you!). Talk to them about drugs, underage sex, smoking and other things which you find unacceptable.

Make sure not to omit all the things you admire in people or all the things that you hold dear as well, such as family values, politeness, respecting teachers and elders. Highlighting only the negatives will do nothing for your children! Then, go on to show your children that you are completely comfortable in your skin and happy with who you are. Moreover, show them how important it is to retain their individuality. They don’t have to be a part of the herd; rather, they should stand out of the crowd.

When around your children, you have to be your biggest critic. Make sure you never use foul language around them, never smoke or give in to stress. Or at least, put up an appearance of being calm and in control. Don’t hide the fact that you are going through a tough time, teach them how to deal with stress and pressure by example. That way, it will benefit you as well as your child.

But, at the same time, don’t try to give the impression that you are perfect. Talk to them about your failures as well as your triumphs. You need to let them know that you are human as well and it is okay for them to make mistakes as long as they learn from them.

There is definitely no shortage of negative role models for our children – television, radios and books throw them at us- so it is all the more important to be a good role model for your children in today’s day and age and teach them how to be better people.