Recently, a young person reminded me of one of life’s most important lessons: our children are watching and learning from us.
Unfortunately, too many news stories report parents abusing their privileges, neglecting their duties, and overlooking the moral obligation to nurture their children.
Without knowing it, children are mentored by behaviors demonstrated by their parents and nurtured by these examples. Isn’t it a shame when a few rotten apples, otherwise known as bad-acting parents among us, do not know this reality? The job as elders and parents is to show children how to be responsible citizens and conscientious individuals. Sadly, too many parents never learned these skills themselves.
Sure, this post might be in vain for an audience who will never take the time to read this or learn appropriate behavior to model for our youth. Yet, may I call upon you to share this with them? I knew I could count on you!
Here are a few simple suggestions:
1. Be a coach – Taking time to guide and direct is only a few seconds of our time. In fact, it can make all the difference to provide helpful insight to a protégé seeking your recommendations or thoughts.
2. Be an advocate – Our youth are looking for a champion. Be an ally who will stand in their corner when times get tough. With academic and personal interests, for instance, we can take time to really show them how it’s done with our commitment to hobbies and professional goals.
3. Be a role model – Being on our best behavior means being careful to avoid snarky comments, disparaging language, and unnecessary verbiage. We cannot be disappointed with the youth of today if we will not first take the time to be an example for them.
With some gentle support and encouragement, I am certain that bad-acting parents will come to appreciate the best way to lead the next generation. Maybe parent teacher associations (PTAs) nationwide should offer some support. Wouldn’t you agree?
Dawn McCoy
author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
