Parent Role Models

On the topic of adult role models, what can parents do to ensure that their kid has that kind of support when you reach the place where they don't see you as a role model anymore? (This is a question that came from parents at a forum I will be attending this evening.)

I do believe that parents are role models for their children, forever. When we lose the respect of our children the role model has switched to being a negative one. Remember children and teens are looking for the opportunity to be independent, more mature and respected. If we as parents and adults don't give them the respect they are looking for and the opportunity to be more responsible and take some risks, then yes they will look elsewhere for role models—adult or peers—to fulfill their need.

Often when my children and their friends were younger teens (and to this day), we would hear references to what a parent thought, said or did in a respectful not derogatory way. Teens may not always say it to your face but they do love and respect the parent if they feel that love and respect in return. When we try to control their behaviours and become overly intrusive in their lives, then they do turn from us.

Sometimes it feels like a balancing act but we can be role models for our children/youth if “we walk our talk”.