How to Get Your Tween to Find Realistic Role Models

With the role models tweens have today, there is no such thing as a bad example. Stars and sports figures that kids consider to be role models are having teen pregnancies, participating in drunk driving and drug binges, and making just plain bad decisions. Tweens need to understand that just because someone is on TV or has money, does not make them someone to look up to.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Discuss the behavior of tween idols, as it becomes news. Do not be preachy about it. Just inform the tween of the behavior in question and ask them what they think. Give you input but try not to put too much weight on the conversation.
2. Whenever you come across someone who has done something truly spectacular, like save a life, or become successful against odds, be sure that your tween learns about this. Show them footage of the news stories. Discuss the feats and success with your tween. Ask your tween what they admire about that person. Keep the conversation very positive. Do not go into a rant about negative role models at this time.
3. Purchase written and movie biographies about people who have accomplished something worth emulating. Discuss the stories as often as your tween is willing.
4. Ask your tween who they admire, and have them tell you why. If you object to someone they are idolizing, ask them to give you reasons whey they idolize that person. Ask questions designed to make them think, do not ridicule their choices.

Tips & Warnings

• Always approach these subjects gently, ask questions instead of preaching to the tween.
• Never appear to be judgmental. This could push your tween to do the opposite of what you ask.