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Further
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Math Help Has Never Been This Entertaining
Do you have trouble with math? Do you feel anxious when taking math tests? Do you want to improve your math skills, but don't know where to do this? If any of these problems plague you then look to the Internet for extra help. There are several...
Teen Driving Statistics
As a parent, if you search for any information about Teen Driving Statistics you will find statistics similar to those below. I have reviewed various websites to summarize the information from these sources, however, please feel free to search the...
How To Get Your Child To Read
A lot of us know the importance of getting a child to read early, to establish the basis for learning. But how do we accomplish that? Below are the steps you can take to get your child to reading. It starts with a newborn , but can be picked up...
Becoming Informed About Your LD Child’s Strengths and Weaknesses
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through their weaknesses. Like anyone else, however, they have many strengths. It is of the greatest importance to focus on the strengths that your child has and show them to other...
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Make Role Modeling a Hobby
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Written By:
Michael G. Rayel, MD
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Like in most families, children are around you everyday. Whatever you show to your children is what you teach and impart to them regardless of your intentions. In the eyes of your children, you are a teacher. Everyday you are teaching “live” — whether you like it or not. You’re like a walking lecture in your child’s life.
What are you willing to show to your child? What are you going to teach your child through you? Do you want to be credible?
The Best Way to Teach is to Model What You Preach
Parenting articles and books tell us that we should be role models for our kids. However, finding a reliable source on how we can become one is a challenge. Being a role model is not an easy task. It requires determination, self-control, self- reflection, and discipline.
One of the best ways to become a role model is to simply practice what you preach. Obviously, you can’t tell your child not to smoke or drink when you smoke a pack a day or you have several drinks before going to bed. Likewise, you appear phoney to your kids if you advise not to use foul language when you criticize or verbally abuse your spouse at the dinner table.
Your Teachings Should be Followed by Action
“Talk is cheap,” as the saying goes. Your advice is of most value to your children if you back your pronouncements with action. I know a father who preaches to his children not to punch back if they are hurt by a playmate but the same father never hesitates to grab his kitchen knife every time his neighbour in the same apartment building makes a noise.
Show your children the behaviour that you want them to show to others. Talk the way you want them to talk to others.
If you want your child to practice self-control, then you have to show self-control yourself. If you expect household rules to be followed, then don’t violate these rules yourself.
Don’t Preach Anything that You are Willing to Violate
Don’t make a household rule that you can’t follow. Never make a rule that you intend to break if no one is watching. A rule is only effective if it is consistent and properly implemented.
A rule is designed to establish order and - continued below ...
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continued ...
harmony in the household. If you constantly break household rules, you are probably better off not having them. Try to be realistic. Make a rule that is reasonable and that everyone, including yourself, can easily follow.
Don’t Create Rules that You Intend to Break If They are Inconvenient
Don’t make a rule that you plan to violate regularly at your convenience. A rule is created to serve as a guideline regardless of whether it’s convenient or not. However, don’t be totally inflexible. As you now, there are exceptions to the rules.
Occasionally, you have to be flexible to accommodate these exceptions. For instance, I have a rule that food should not be brought into the bedroom. However, when one of my children is sick, then this rule does not apply. I’m not saying that we should be flexible all the time. In essence, there should be a compelling reason to break a rule.
Make Role Modeling as Your Passion
Make role modeling as your interest and passion. Enjoy doing it. Practice and master it. Observe how you speak and behave in front of your family. Make sure that the behaviour you show is the same behaviour you want your kids to learn and that your speech should reflect what you want to hear from them.
You can’t preach that they should be happy and enjoy life when you’re grouchy all the time. You can’t teach your children good moral values if you’re making a plan on how to cheat your neighbour — in front of your children’s watchful eyes.
In the eyes of your children, you are a hero. They love to hear you and watch you. They love to be around you. They even love to be like you.
So watch out. Your speech and behaviour becomes your child. Commend yourself if your children turn out to be good people. But don’t blame anyone if they show inappropriate behaviour. Remember — they are just trying to imitate you.
About the Author
Copyright © 2004. Dr. Michael G. Rayel – author (First Aid to Mental Illness–Finalist, Reader’s Preference Choice Award 2002) psychiatrist, and inventor of Oikos Game: A Personal Development and Emotional Skills Game. For more information, please visit www.oikosgame.com.
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| _Additional Resources ... |
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Important Christian Dating Advice
Although Christian dating web sites strive to maintain professionalism, privacy, and safety, customers must be aware of possible dangers. Other online dating services have safety and privacy issues and advice posted on their site, and Christian...
We All Need A Father Figure To Lean On
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Life which is soon past, only what’s done with love will last.'
When I think of the ultimate father figure I think of the extraordinary paternal love and devotion of the Biblical King David for his son Absalom even when his...
Looking Good Doesn’t Have To Cost A Fortune – Buy Estate Jewelry
When it comes to estate jewelry there is always much discussion about what is and what is not estate jewelry. The definition is really quite simple. Estate jewelry is jewelry acquired from the estate of another person, who can be living or...
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