A role model is someone whose actions, examples, or accomplishments are or can be emulated by others, especially young people. Simply put, these are people whom anyone can look up to for motivation as they work their way up the ladder. Such role models are largely counted as well-known personalities from various fields of interest.
According to Lev Vygotsky, a Russian psychologist who studied children's psychological development closely stated that "parents are the child's first educators." In the early stages of a child's life, they are his or her only line of interaction. Thus, parents are to be held responsible for the behaviour of their children. Therefore, they have to be watchful of their actions as Albert Bandura stated that a child imitates their parents. Now let us look at various ways through which parents can be good role models for their children.
Quality home environment.
The very first key consideration when attempting to be a good influence is the family environment. It is at home that everything begins. If parents create a safe and comfortable environment at home, their children will grow up to live in that same environment and ultimately try to emulate it. Here, the parents can also include their children in the discussions as they do not feel left out. At the same time, this will also develop their problem-solving skills which can be meanwhile important for their future.
Spending time together.
From the packed life of a working career, private time with family members is always appreciated. When time is spent along with children, they will feel a connection to the family and recognize the significance of it. Otherwise, they would become increasingly distant from family social gatherings and will no longer feel connected to the family. As a result, it's critical to schedule family time at least twice weekly, if not every day.
Expected Behaviour.
At a social gathering, the child is expected to exhibit certain behaviours. Such behaviours can be modelled by parents in the home environment, and the child can pick up on them. For example, at a social gathering, we expect the child to devour the food with certain table manners. As a result, this can be taught or rather demonstrated to them at the dining table, and the child will surely follow whenever he or she attends a social gathering.
Keep a positive attitude.
Everyone desires a positive outlook, but only a few can attain it. Optimism towards anything promotes a positive lifestyle for you and everyone around you which includes your child as well. Whenever the parents in a family cultivate positive thinking habits, the child will innately adopt these qualities too.
Mahatma Gandhi says "Be the change you want to see in the world". Therefore, to be the role models of children, the parents themselves should become the role models so that they can learn from their parents. This can bring a positive effect on the child as the parents are always living alongside them.