Good Role Models for Children

Children will find role models whether or not encouraged to do so. It is a natural instinct for them to look to older people to model their own behaviors, attitudes and beliefs upon. Role models help children make sense of the world. So it is important that children select good role models and for this, they may need a parent's help.

  1. Parents

    • Parents will always be a child's first and most instinctive role models. They will start looking to you for guidance from the time they are a baby. But as they grow older, they may shift and look to others. Yet they should always be able to see their parents as good role models. For this, it's important that parents remember that their children will emulate them, repeating behaviors, words and actions. So parents should be especially mindful to present the best example possible.

    Teachers

    • Teachers are often a child's next role model as they are some of the first adult authority figures he deals with on a daily basis. As such, parents should get to know their child's teachers and, when appropriate, remind teachers that they have the burden of being a good role model to your children. From teachers, children will learn a lot about rules, honesty and the value of an education. Parents should also be aware that it is important that they support teachers.

    Famous People

    • Whether a parent likes it or not, as children grow older, they will start looking at famous people as their role models. Unfortunately, many famous people do not live exemplary lives and are, for the most part, very poor role models. In an ideal world, famous people would all be good role models, but this isn't the case anymore. Parents need to gently provide the truth about these sorts of people and find famous people who are worthy of being role models. Consider talking to your children about people like astronauts and other pioneers in scientific fields. Stress the importance of people like doctors, researchers, politicians and athletes.

    Television Characters

    • Children will watch television from an early age. Television characters, whether live or animated, can provide good role models if you separate the actor from the character. Watch television with your children so you can discuss the characters, discussing what they do and what they stand for. Not all characters are admirable. But there are many who are. You might encourage watching some older programs, such as Bonanza, in which family values were an important part of the show.

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