Photo by William Fortunato
Making sure you are a positive role model for children is important for their growth and development, and parents are the first to carry out this valuable task.
Charlene Turner, the author of “Sun-Lion,” teaches children the real value of confidence and self-love. She guides them on how to grow into their best authentic selves. Parents can also learn something from Charlene’s book and its lessons.
The reason why kids need a great role model is because they are still growing. Children will often struggle with their self-esteem as they become older. Although parents consistently remind their kids of their worth, their children may find it hard to believe.
But why do kids develop low self-esteem?
The Beginnings of Low Self-Esteem
Kids are extremely sensitive and observant of their surroundings. They put plenty of value on the opinions that other people have. Believe it or not, they’re also very worried about everyone’s perception of them.
Since young ones don’t know who they are yet, they often base their self-esteem on the outside validation or achievements they attain. However, those who do this are bound to struggle to see their worth. They usually believe their value depends on one’s social status or performance instead of seeing it as a fixed aspect.
Doubting one’s self-worth is a slippery slope, frequently leading to a person doubting their ability to succeed. Youngsters who don’t believe in themselves often struggle with anxiety, attachment issues, depression, and low self-esteem. By being good role models, we can help children find their self-esteem and love themselves.
How to Become the Finest Role Model
It’s no secret that children learn things by copying those around them. Adults and parents can become the best role model for kids by treating themselves and others with love and respect. Parents play a vital role in increasing their children’s self-esteem, making them realize they are worthy and loved.
With that said, check out the ways we can aid children on their path to having a healthy amount of self-esteem below:
• Make Time to Prioritize Yourself
Making time for oneself is the most challenging thing for parents to do. For parents, this doesn’t mean you’ll put your needs and children aside. This means that parents must incorporate self-care into their daily routine.
Things like giving yourself a rest, setting boundaries, and saying no when you don’t want to do something. It also includes knowing one’s worth as a parent, making your relationships work, and deciding how you wish to be treated. By doing this to yourselves, your kids will copy the good practices and attitudes they’ve seen from parental figures.
• Let Yourself Feel
While many emotions might feel overwhelming, not all of them are bad. Many parents believe their children must not see them at their weakest because they think it’ll tell their kids that they are indeed mature. But the reality is that it often sets an unrealistic precedent of “feelings should be avoided like the plague” or that having emotions is a mistake.
Now, emotions can be excruciating. But by allowing ourselves to experience various emotions around our kids without expecting them to fix us. This shows children that being vulnerable and feeling emotions is perfectly fine.
The “Sun Lion” by Charlene Turner also encourages kids to do the same. To be emotional, vulnerable, and strong. All thanks to parents who knew how to positive role model for children.
• Don’t Expect that You Are Perfect
Setting goals for one’s sake is crucial for living. However, being forgiving and kind’s also valuable when things don’t go your way. We understand that parents have high hopes for their children, but obsessing and believing they can be perfect is unrealistic.
This doesn’t necessarily imply decreasing your expectations; it just means being more accepting of the outcome. Not her achievements, but her efforts deserve praise. This fosters confidence that lasts longer.
The excitement of watching your kids grow and be successful is one of the greatest experiences of being a parent. Charlene Turner understands this excitement, so her book “Sun Lion” is significant for parents and children.
We hope that this post will help readers be positive role models for children. If you wish to read Charlene Turner’s book, click here to be routed to her site and purchase a copy!
The Happy Hammock 