Are you a good role mode/parent??
By LaLa Leo
@mrscallands22 (2851)
United States
July 10, 2010 8:47pm CST
My daughter is currently 18 months. I have been struggling to take care of her at this point in my life, but I do by every means necessary to make sure I provide for her and that she is taken care of. Sometimes, I do feel like I am selfish towards her.. but never financially-wise, just sometimes I feel as if my life as I knew it is over and it takes some mothers longer than others to swallow that horse pill. However, I am an excellent mother and I love my princess with everything that I possess. I will do anything for her, give my own life. I just am wanting to steer her in the right direction early, as a child, so that I can lead her to a great life. I feel that I set wonderful examples for her.. showing her what I know little by little and teaching her essential skills that she'll need in her life. Some parents tend to think that if they are just in the child's life financially that it suffices for being a parent or raising the child. Do you feel as if you're a good role model/parent for your child?? Why or why not?? Do you know anyone that isn't a good role model/parent to their child?? Was your parents good role models/parents to you and do you think it makes a difference how parents turn out to be based on their parents and childhood experiences??
4 responses
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
2 Aug 10
It is very important for me to be a good role model to my children, now aged seven and three. I know that when my daughter was first born, it did take a period of adjustment, but I had fully embraced my new role as a mother by the time she was just a couple of months old. I know that my children love and admire me and that is what is important to me. However, I've also seen other people that aren't nearly as good at being a parent and I have to admit that I feel sorry for the parents of those children. I think that children whose parents aren't as good of a role model are those that will have to struggle more later in their lives.
@mrscallands22 (2851)
• United States
2 Aug 10
It is wonderful that you are a strong role model to your children and other children in your presence. Whether they realize it or not, they have a great luxury that will provide endless benefits later in their lives. It just saddens me so to watch the news and see so many children of today neglected or murdered.
Thanks for sharing!!
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
14 Jul 10
I try to be the best role model I can be but on the other hand I am human so I know that somewhere along the way..I have probably screwed up..lol..I think that it does matter what children are exposed to and what they are taught but then there comes the age of choice and that is where things can all blow up and you are left asking yourself what the H(!! happened. I had very good role models with the grandparents that raised me although they were human too. Sometimes in trying to be the best we can...we forget that we have to teach them that mistakes are as much a part of life as anything else and it's what we do after we make them that defines us.
@mrscallands22 (2851)
• United States
14 Jul 10
Beautiful statement and I can definitely say that I concur with every word. Life is a learning experience, we can shield our children while they're young and steer them in the right direction, but after a certain age, they aren't obligated to listen to us anymore. I especially agree with your statement, ".. it's what we do after we make them that defines us." You're absolutely right!!!
Thanks for commenting!!
@aguas_aj (498)
• Philippines
12 Jul 10
I try my best to be a good example each day. And though it is really a struggle to give up my own life or dreams for my son, just to make sure he is taken care off, I just try and try each day.Regardless of yesterdays mistake. I do quit working for him, just to be readily available for him. I just hope that he would someday be appreciative about every acts and loving ways i gave him, regardless of my imperfection. My mother's parenting style is different from mine. She gave a good example for us but not always around. though as any mature person, you should determine the right reasons why things happens
@mrscallands22 (2851)
• United States
12 Jul 10
I really like that. Every parent (if they don't) should feel like this for all of their children. Luckily, I only have one. I had a friend that once said that he'd never have children just because he didn't want to have to want to have to worry about someone for the rest of their lives.
I wanted a child because me and my husband didn't have our first child, but had our daughter.. but I don't think I want anymore anytime soon and definitely not with him. lol
@Muteki (114)
• Japan
13 Jul 10
I grew up in a typical Caribean family where parents are tough, but love is still shown. From a young age I understand that no matter how much I cried are complained I would get certain things, toys, candy etc. If I was told "No", that would be it and my parents would never back down. I also quickly learned the value of money.
My daughter is jsut 18 months old but I feel I should do the same with her. My wife often think its too strict but I believe its doing her good in the long run, teach not to be spoiled and understand the value of money. A bit of stubborness to some extend can be good for a child. But I show her love the same way.
@mrscallands22 (2851)
• United States
13 Jul 10
Sounds like you come from a good solid family. It has to be like that to ensure that the child doesn't look towards their friends or the street for knowledge and guidance and it also puts children in their place so that they maintain that level of respect for their parent. I think that your method will be proven to be effective to your wife sooner or later. She may just feel that way because you have a daughter instead of a son, but I was taught to not discriminate and my siblings and I, whether girl or boy were punished the same and taught the same.
My daughter is also 18 months and with her I use positive reinforcement when she does wrong things. I take away something that she likes for awhile like her mini piano or her ride toy. She learns quickly not to repeat that wrong action.
Thanks for your comment!!
