Gandhi inspired people to change the world, by first changing themselves. In parenting, we need to "be the change we want to see" in our children.
Children learn by observing others. They imitate everything we do – whether that is being polite to our neighbors or honking impatiently at the driver in front of us.
One of the most effective ways to change our children's problematic behavior is to model the way we want them to behave. If we say please and thank you, so will our children. If we eat healthy foods, hopefully our children will too. And, if we are able to take deep breaths instead of honking, our children will learn to manage their feelings in a more constructive way.
Being a good role model for our children not only helps them grow into responsible, independent and thoughtful people but gives us an opportunity to change our bad habits and become better people.
So the next time the driver on their cell phone tests your patience, think about your child's curious eyes watching you, take a deep breath, and model for your child a positive way to respond to a frustrating situation.
Children learn by observing others. They imitate everything we do – whether that is being polite to our neighbors or honking impatiently at the driver in front of us.
One of the most effective ways to change our children's problematic behavior is to model the way we want them to behave. If we say please and thank you, so will our children. If we eat healthy foods, hopefully our children will too. And, if we are able to take deep breaths instead of honking, our children will learn to manage their feelings in a more constructive way.
Being a good role model for our children not only helps them grow into responsible, independent and thoughtful people but gives us an opportunity to change our bad habits and become better people.
So the next time the driver on their cell phone tests your patience, think about your child's curious eyes watching you, take a deep breath, and model for your child a positive way to respond to a frustrating situation.
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