Raise your hand if you ever heard your parents say this oldie but goody:<\/p>\n
\u201cDo as I say, not as I do.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
While this phrase may often be said in jest, plenty of kids can tell stories of how their parent\u2019s words and actions didn\u2019t always seem to align. \u00a0And how confusing that was to try to make sense of, when those same parents may have also said:<\/p>\n
\u201cActions speak louder than words.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
Do you see how these phrases are in conflict? Especially to a young brain, which catalogues every word and action and seeks to find patterns in them.<\/p>\n
If you want to encourage your child to follow their dreams, to take risks, and do what they LOVE as a career, then remembering how important it is to role model these ideals is vital. <\/p>\n
As a parent, I understand how easy it can be to fall back on the \u201cDo as I say, not as I do\u201d phrase. We are all busy, often overwhelmed, and sometimes get caught up in the daily tasks of life. \u00a0We may blurt out things like this in haste and forgot about how damaging it can be.<\/p>\n
But remember, this phrase sends a direct message that says \u201cI don\u2019t have integrity in my words and actions\u201d. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Yikes!<\/p>\n
Raising kids who are finding their place in the world, and brimming with great ideas for creative expression (including entrepreneurial ventures,) comes with great responsibility. One of the greatest of those is role-modeling.<\/p>\n
Kids look to their parents and loved ones to help guide them. And they do this not only by listening but by watching and noticing what may be imperceptible to others. If you don\u2019t know by now, kids are highly perceptive. They can tell when things just don\u2019t feel right. \u00a0And they can see right through any kind of shady behavior. <\/p>\n
Don\u2019t say I didn\u2019t warn you.<\/p>\n
Like most things in life, balance is everything. Words, actions, beliefs, and goals should ideally be in alignment with one another. If one speaks more loudly, we continually show our children (and others) that our words hold more value that our actions, or vise versa. \u00a0\u00a0Instead, words AND actions are equally as valuable and as important in laying down a clear and healthy path to success.<\/p>\n
For example, \u00a0if you say \u201cHonesty is the best policy\u201d but then find yourself not being up front with your child, you aren\u2019t role modeling honesty and openness by any means. \u00a0Sure, you don\u2019t have to share every last detail of your personal life with your kids. But role modeling honesty, especially with hard conversations, provides kids with the confidence to speak up for themselves and honor their emotions. \u00a0In the business world, confidence in communication – and integrity of words – is a major indicator of success.<\/p>\n
But healthy role-modeling isn\u2019t limited to just a few key areas. Parents need to always be aware of the messages their own behaviors and actions are sending. \u00a0Because, I promise you, your kid will interpret those messages quickly. <\/p>\n
Parents need to role model everything from cooperation, resilience, and compassion to boundaries, character, and healthy habits.<\/p>\n
For now, let\u2019s talk about valuing different opinions comes into play with role-modeling. \u00a0As a business owner, few things set off my inner \u201cstay-away\u201d alarm (yes, it\u2019s an official term) more than a person who has no intention of valuing someone else’s opinion. \u00a0Valuing other opinions doesn\u2019t mean you you have to agree with them But it does mean actively listening, asking questions, and considering different perspectives. <\/p>\n
By valuing other opinions, we show common courtesy and respect. \u00a0We learn that there is more than one way to think, do, and be in this world. \u00a0We are given insights and ideas that we may otherwise never have encountered. But don\u2019t forget: \u00a0when we value other\u2019s opinions, they learn to value ours.<\/p>\n
How do you role model this? \u00a0Here are just a few ways you can be cognizant of valuing other opinions, especially when your kids are present:<\/p>\n
The truth is, the importance of role-modeling doesn\u2019t just stop with children. \u00a0It helps with our own relationships in both a professional and personal sense. But positive influences in a child\u2019s life lead to a greater chance of positive outcomes for their future. \u00a0\u00a0And they then have a much higher chance of role-modeling positive behavior for their own children.<\/p>\n
In this way, role-modeling a gift that keeps on giving. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that none of us are perfect people or perfect parents. \u00a0I like to say that we are \u201ca work in progress.\u201d It helps to remember that when you have rough days or realize that maybe you had a not-so-role-modely moment (like throwing an adult tantrum when Amazon delivered the wrong package). \u00a0Dude, chill.<\/p>\n
Give yourself grace and forgiveness – this role models that kids can allow themselves grace and forgiveness. \u00a0Take a moment to breath and recenter – this teaches kids to find their own center and to de-stress. And don\u2019t forget to follow up with your kids and let them know that you made a mistake and you\u2019ll keep trying – this will role model commitment to self-growth.<\/p>\n
We know that inspired kids can lead to a future of inspired leaders. This is why our Kidpreneur motto is \u201cYoung entrepreneurs with big ideas!\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Being intentional in our words and actions is an investment that pays off in more ways than one. <\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be surprised when it also pays off for YOU.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Raise your hand if you ever heard your parents say this oldie but goody: \u201cDo as I say, not as I do.\u201d While this phrase may often be said in jest, plenty of kids can tell stories of how their parent\u2019s words and actions didn\u2019t always seem to align. \u00a0And how confusing that was to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2849,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2845","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-advice"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n