How to Help a Child Choose a Role Model

Growing up is tough. Children emulate adults, and a positive role model for a child can make a real difference in the child's decision-making process. Help your child find a role model to look up to. The benefits are well worth the effort.

Instructions

1. Look at your child's interests. If your son is a big soccer fan, find a professional soccer player known for good sportsmanship and team support. If your daughter loves music, find a singer whose lyrics are positive and life affirming or find one who actively participates in charity work.

2. Open your child's eyes to the world. Find a global problem (such as pollution) and get information on a person that is active in the cause. Use the Internet to find all the information you can, including a physical or email address your child can use to send a letter of support.

3. Show your child a celebrity spokesperson. Many celebrities are active representatives for good causes. Choose wisely, remembering that your child will admire this person. Celebrities can become tabloid fodder, sending your child the wrong message.

4. Find a role model in your hometown. The head of an animal shelter or recycling center, exceptional teacher or 4-H leader is making a positive difference in the world. Use such an example to teach your child that one person's efforts do make a difference.

5. Remember you are your child's first (and best) role model. Become a positive one. Be someone that your child takes pride in and you'll be amazed how much of your influence rubs off.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child chooses an inappropriate role model, find something positive to say. Negativity can cause your child to disregard your input entirely. Finding something positive, "That singer must have worked very hard for a long time to get a first recording contract." keeps your child more open minded toward your ideas. This enables you to steer him to a better role model in the future

• If you find a role model who later disappoints your child with poor behavior, remind your son or daughter that all people have faults and make mistakes. Reinforce the message that the positive things their role model accomplished are the most important.