7 Tips to be a Good Role Model for Your Kids
5. Cultivate tolerance
You may have strong views on politics, society, culture, etc. And you are entitled to have them. However one of the greatest flash points of conflict and rebellion come when kids come of age to have their own opinions about things. This is when you should be sensitive and respectful and never try to thrust your own ideas on them. Most likely your child is going to have a different world view, you must be able to accept it, debate it but never rebuke it. Your child is then likely to see you as a mature, open-minded citizen and would want to grow up to be like you.
6. Have the humility to accept mistakes
The parent-child relationship is essentially an unequal one where parents have an upper hand with respect to the authority they wield. However you must not imagine that to mean that you can do no wrong. You can and being human you probably will. However you can redeem yourself if you have the humility to accept your mistakes. It requires a lot of strength to admit to one’s mistakes but the reward of rising up in the eyes of your child is quite worth it.
7. Keep communication channels open
This is of course very important. Only if you communicate with your kids will you be able to gain an insight into their lives, thoughts and ideas. You may be able to solve a lot of problems way before they turn into catastrophes and succeed in maintaining a largely peaceful household. Do talk and invite them to talk and see how your relationship becomes stronger over the time.
