The debt of gratitude we owe our mother and father goes forward, not backward. What we owe our parents is the bill presented to us by our children. ~ Nancy Friday ~
Parents serve as role models through the examples they set with their attitude and behavior within the family and in the outside world. As parents, we contribute to our children’s personal growth and development. Parents lead by example, and should be modeling the kind of behavior that they want their kids to adopt. Children pay attention to everything we say and do, and they imitate our words and actions.
As children get older, they push for more independence. It’s our responsibility as the parent to make sure that our children aren’t in harm’s way. The habits that children develop at an early age stick with them as they grow older. We, as parents, have to show behavior that positively shapes their character and values, and helps them to live responsible, productive lives.
Being a good role model for your children will not always win parents the “most popular” award. Saying “no” when necessary and giving children age appropriate restrictions probably will not be something your children will thank you for now, but so many times they will come back to thank you after they have grown up!
We owe it to ourselves and to others to teach our children how to be the best they can be.
We love our children here at www.secretserendipity.com.