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      Family Goals Worth Setting

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      You set goals for your personal achievements, goals for your work, and goals for fixing up your home so why wouldn’t you set goals for your family? Goal setting is a great practice that keeps you aiming higher and achieving more. It is hard to get somewhere if you don’t know where you are going. Family goals are worth setting because they help unite everyone under a mission and provide a roadmap for how to get there.
      Family life can be stressful and overwhelming if the whole family isn’t being supportive of one another. Everybody is moving in different directions, doing their own thing, making their own plans; when do you find time to take care of what matters most, your family? That’s were family goal setting can come in to help make sure everyone is playing for the same team.

      What are Family Goals?
      There are two types of goals you can set as a family. You can set goals for things you want to do together like how to spend family nights and vacation time. Or, you can set goals for how you want to work together as a family. For instance, you can create a goal to give everyone the same amount of screen time so there’s no more arguing over whose turn it is at the computer.
      Setting family goals requires the cooperation of the entire family to be successful.
      Why Family Goals are Important
      Happy families don’t just happen by chance, they take work, focus, healthy habits, and decision making. As the parent, it is your job to guide your family and create a loving and supportive home. While everyone participates in reaching the goals, the goals originate with your decisions about what you want for your family.
      Once goals are created and everyone’s on board with working together, it creates a family bond that builds trust, love, and respect.

      How to Set Family Goals
      Setting goals doesn’t need to be difficult, but it does require some decision making about what’s important to you. Your family goals should reflect your family values.
      1. Decide What You Want for Your Family
      This is a time to come together as parents and decide what you want for your family. What do you want to achieve together over the next several months, the next year, the next few years? These goals can have an end result like “we want to take a cross country road trip” or be ongoing goals like “we want our children to show each other respect.”
      2. What Would You Like to Copy or Avoid
      Think about other families you know, or even families you watch on TV, what do they do that you want your family to do as well. What do they do that you want to avoid? Look for examples of things you like or don’t like in other families and set your goals accordingly.
      3. What are Your Challenges as a Family
      Where do you see your family struggling? What do you wish your family did better? The answers to these questions will help you define goals that you want to set.
      4. Don’t Forget the Most Important Goals
      Keeping your family bonded, healthy, and happy should be at the top of your family goal setting. Be sure to set goals that include fitness, healthy habits, encouragement, appreciation, gratitude, and being social together.
      Family Goal Setting Worksheet
      You may also find this Family Goal Setting worksheet helpful, you can print the pdf here or pin the image below for later.

      Family Goals Examples
      These family goals examples may inspire you in creating your own goals. Use these examples to get you started thinking about things that you want to achieve as a family.
      1. Be Active in Your Church – attend weekly services and participate in church events.
      2. Deal with Conflict – set a goal that will help your kids work through conflict resolution in a mature and responsible manner.
      3. Create a Family Financial Plan – that includes savings, investments, education, travel, etc. You might like to use this family financial plan workbook to help you.
      4. Generate Sufficient Income – fights over money can lead to family stress and divorce so this is an important goal. Come up with ways that you can easily increase your household income and reduce spending.
      5. Maintain Open Communication – when your kids feel safe telling you anything, they’ll be more truthful and open with you.
      6. Work/Life Balance – set a goal of the maximum hours you’ll work in a day or a week to give you work/life balance.
      7. Family Health and Fitness – how will you work together as a family to eat healthy and stay fit.
      8. Family Night– set a goal to make sure you have at least one family night a week where you do something fun together like watch a movie or play a game.
      9. Family Meals– set a goal to enjoy a certain number of meals together as a family without any distractions.
      10. Extended Family Time– decide what works best for your family according to where people live. Maybe a monthly get together would be a nice goal or a yearly vacation if they are far away.
      Conclusion
      Family goals are a great way to create a solid foundation for your family. Working together will build mutual respect and trust as well as a strong family bond. As your kids get older and they can participate more in helping to reach goals, the family goals will evolve and change. That is a wonderful part of the process to watch the growth as you move from accomplishing small goals together to taking on larger challenges.
      Related Posts:
      Budgeting For Kids: Teaching Your Children To Budget
      A Mindful Parenting Book- The Present Mother Excerpt & Worksheets
      How To Write A Personal Mission Statement For The New Year More

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      How To Have A Family Meeting [Template Included]

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      A family meeting is a great way to keep your family bonded. You can discuss family rules, upcoming events, and share information that everyone needs to know. But unless you have a family meeting agenda, everyone will be off-topic and not paying attention, making it a big waste of time. That is why I have included a family meeting template here to help make sure it stays productive.

      Why Have a Family Meeting?
      Most importantly, it puts everyone on the same page and the whole family will know the same information. No one can say “I didn’t know” or “Nobody asked me”. No excuses! If there’s a new house rule, chores, vacation being planned, or an event everyone has to attend, the family meeting is the time to share. This way you can make sure everyone knows what’s going on and expected of them.
      Family meetings are also a great bonding tool for your family because everyone has the opportunity to connect and share. It reminds everyone that their family is there to support them and help them.
      Additionally, family meetings teach your kids important life skills. By being exposed to the challenges of parenting, kids can learn what the real world is like and how to deal with their problems in a productive way. Meeting as a family can teach communications skills, problem-solving, planning, conflict resolution, and even budgeting.
      Lastly, family meetings help your kids build their confidence as they learn to speak up for themselves. This regular scheduled meeting time gives your kids the opportunity to say what they think and express how they feel without judgement or punishment.

      How to Have A Family Meeting
      1. Set a regular day and time. This will help everyone know when they need to be present, no exceptions. They can mark it on their calendar for a regular time and day each week. 
      2. Keep it positive. Help your family stay focused on the positive. Ask your kids to share something good that happened over the week.
      3. Moderate, but don’t control. As discussion run off-course, you might need to reign your family in and keep them focuses, but don’t control the entire conversation. Let everyone participate with their own thoughts and ideas.
      4. Give everyone a chance to run the meeting. Taking a leadership role will help your kids build self esteem. Allow them to take turns calling the meeting to order and going through the family meeting agenda. I have provided a family meeting template below that you can print and use as your weekly agenda.
      5. Don’t make it all business. In addition to the important family stuff, having something fun in the agenda will keep your family engaged. Create a fun family tradition for the meetings or have a fun question everyone has to answer at the end.
      6. Post reminders. If you make new rules or discuss future plans, be sure to write them down and post them where everyone can see as a reminder of what was discussed.
      7. It’s okay to have a difference of opinion. Not everyone will agree, but finding a compromise can make everyone feel like they got something they wanted.
      Family Meeting Template Printable

      The image version of the family meeting template is above or you can use the pdf version.
      Hosting regular family meetings, making them fun, and encouraging your kids to participate, will help build their confidence while also creating a family bond.
      If you haven’t already planned your first family meeting, get out your calendar and get add it on there. It’s a great way to bring your whole family together!
      Related Posts:
      Fun Things To Do With Kids For Family Day
      Inspirational Family Quotes
      Best Bible Verses About Parenting More

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      List Of Helpful Self Esteem Activities For Kids

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      Self-esteem is very important to cultivate in children. Having self-esteem not only helps in sports, but also in school, personal relationships and eventually in the workplace. Building self-esteem is not as simple as flattery. Self-esteem is something we earn, not something we are given. To this purpose, here is a list of self esteem activities for kids.
      Effective Self Esteem Activities For Kids

      First- “What is self-esteem?” Some people equate self-esteem with confidence, but that’s only part of the equation. While good self-esteem in kids comes from being confident in their abilities, there are other factors – such as awareness, respect for others and a drive to succeed. We want our kids to have good self esteem because that means they have a good sense of worth and self-respect.
      A good self-esteem will help them be happy in life and succeed in their endeavors. You know that saying, “We only accept the love we think we deserve.” Well, if we don’t hold ourself in high esteem, we won’t push for the healthy relationship, the better job, or whatever it is that makes us happy. At the same time, learning self respect should come with learning to respect others so that you get a person with high self esteem but not one that is arrogant or overbearing.
      List Good Points
      If you find your child talks themselves down, help them learn to talk themselves up. Help them recognize their good qualities and traits. Wendy Lynne, the Director of Mental Toughness Academy,  suggests kids can begin to build confidence by focusing on their positive qualities when they feel down on themselves. If they say something like, “I’m not good at anything.” You might respond, “Well that isn’t true. You are good at lots of things. Tell me 3 things right now that you are good at.” Help them come up with things they do well like help their friends, help with chores, being kind to others, etc.”
      Also, side note to parents: If your child criticizes him or herself excessively, make sure they aren’t picking up that cue from the way that you treat yourself. Everyone should cut themselves some slack, even you!

      Build A Child’s Self-Esteem By Teaching Them To Help Others
      Is there a child in your kid’s class or team who doesn’t perform as well as they do? They have to work harder to learn things or simply don’t have a natural talent at doing those things your child does really well. We need to teach our children that instead of putting them down or going out of their way to avoid them, one of the best things they can do is offer to help them.
      If the child is having trouble with a certain skill, have your child offer to help by going over the drills with them so they can get better. By helping their team members, they’ll not only be building their own confidence, but their self esteem will also skyrocket from having improved someone else’s abilities.
      Likewise, if your child is struggling with something, encourage them to ask their coach or friends for help. Being able to go to another adult is a very important life skill to acquire.

      Try a new sport!
      Encourage Your Child To Get Out Of The Comfort Zone
      I once knew a kid who was great at playing the goalie on his soccer team. Nothing got past him. His teammates loved him, because they knew that they could focus on their own positions and he made them look good. He was full of confidence and self esteem that carried over into every aspect of his life.
      One day, the coach decided to change things up during practice and made him switch positions with one of the midfielders. The midfielder was very confident in his own skills, and thought that he would have to work less because all he would have to worry about was tending the goal.
      The goalie, in is new position, was showing signs of doubt and felt intimidated because of how much of the field he had to cover in his new position. As the practice game went on, one goal after another was scored, while the all-star goalie stood in the middle of the field, too intimidated by his own mind to move around.
      When the coach blew the whistle for a ten minute break, something totally surprising happened – instead of the usual name calling that would come with missed goals and bad plays, the goalie and the center midfielder got together to trade information and pointers on how to play their new positions better.
      When practice resumed, fewer goals were scored and the goalie was now zipping around with much more confidence in his new midfield position. It turned out to be a great way for the kids to gain self-esteem doing something out of the ordinary and not being afraid to go to others for help.
      Likewise, trying a completely new sport or activity may challenge your child in a new way or even help them find a talent they didn’t know they had. The growth mindset is a key part of trying new things and overcoming set backs. Going out there and doing something out of their comfort zone, stretches them and helps them believe they can reach higher.
      Try Positive Affirmations
      Positive affirmations can help your child develop their self-esteem and sense of optimism. Grab your free printable poster of positive affirmations for kids at natastahl.com. She also shares lots of great tips to make saying affirmations part of your family’s daily routine!

      Kindness Rocks
      Using some creative play on words, you child can add a bit of cheer to someone’s day with these simple fruit painted kindness rocks. This activity mixes several self esteem building opportunities together- they get to either try their hand at an artistic endeavor or they get to show their skill. Either way is a win. Plus, being kinds to others is a quality they can be proud of giving out these kindness rocks is sure make everyone’s day! Visit sustainmycrafthabit.com for the full tutorial.
      Learn New Skills
      Learning new skills, especially ones that help develop a sense of independence, certainly helps build self esteem. We all like to know that we are capable of caring for ourselves if need be. Teaching kids skills like cooking and doing their own laundry can help them feel more confident and capable. Here are some tips for teaching kids how to become more organized. Organization can help them feel more prepared and it can even help improve their grades.
      Conclusion
      I hope these self esteem activities for kids help your child to approach things with a growth mindset and feel confident despite setbacks and failures. If they learn how to give other people respect and help, as well as show a willingness to learn there will be no obstacle that can stop them for long.
      Related Posts:
      What Causes A Low Self Esteem? And Overcoming Low Self Esteem
      ADHD Self-Esteem Issues And What Helps
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      in Children

      The negative impacts of physical punishment and psychological aggression on child development are similar in high-, middle- and low-income countries

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      The increased focus on the rights of children worldwide has drawn greater attention to child maltreatment and the lost developmental potential of children who live in difficult social and economic circumstances. Yet depending on economic resources and political and social will, attention to physical discipline remains elusive in several low- and middle-income countries. In the main, such discussions are much needed at the societal and local levels in many of the poorer nations of the world to further advance the rights and welfare of children in today’s global community.
      Across cultural communities, parents and caregivers use different levels of psychological control (e.g., making children feel worthless, guilty), physical control (e.g., restraining, hitting children), and behavioral control (e.g., setting limits, offering structure) during childrearing. In high-income countries, high levels of psychological, physical, and behavioral control affect children’s social adjustment and academic performance negatively. However, it remains unclear whether these effects generalize to low- and middle-income countries, where endorsement of the use of physical punishment can be high. At the same time, there appears to be a good deal of confusion among parents across low- and middle-income countries about physical punishment and discipline. Physical punishment is meant to inflict pain in the child as a way of dealing with behavioral difficulties and noncompliance. By contrast, discipline is meant to teach children desirable ways of behaving through redirection, explanation, reasoning, and induction.
      Photo: Unsplash.

      As august bodies (e.g., American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018) and researchers continue to warn about the developmental risks associated with physical discipline, it is beneficial to weigh in on what we know about the impact of harsh parenting in the developing countries of Africa. Over the last two decades, we have assessed the impact of harsh parenting across multilingual Caribbean countries. In diverse Caribbean countries, there is high endorsement of the use of physical discipline, but the outcomes of physical discipline on children’s social and cognitive skills are inconsistent. Here, we share findings from an analysis in about half of the countries in Africa of the links between maternal use of nonphysical discipline (explaining), harsh physical discipline (hitting child with an object), physical discipline (spanking), and psychological aggression (berating child) and preschoolers’ social skills, literacy skills, and behavioral difficulties. Our analysis drew on the UNICEF Micro Indicator Surveys of 32,817 biological mothers and their children in 25 African countries: Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Swaziland, Togo, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe.
      What implications might harsh and non-harsh forms of discipline have for child development in Africa? In our research, a high percentage of mothers used explanations with children, but endorsement and use of physical discipline were also prevalent across countries. Across countries, harsh physical discipline, physical discipline, and psychological aggression were each associated with higher levels of behavioral difficulties such as biting, hitting, and kicking other children and adults. That is, berating children had adverse effects on children that were similar to using physical discipline. Not surprisingly, non-physical discipline that involved the use of explanations and redirection was positively associated with children’s literacy skills. Only harsh physical discipline was negatively associated with children’s social skills, such as displaying independence and following directions.

      “Some researchers have argued that in cultural communities where physical punishment is seen as an appropriate method of discipline, the effects of harsh discipline on child development should be less severe. Our analysis offered little support for such a proposition.”

      Some researchers have argued that in cultural communities where physical punishment is seen as an appropriate method of discipline, the effects of harsh discipline on child development should be less severe — the normativeness hypothesis. Our analysis offered little support for such a proposition and instead suggested that harsh forms of maternal discipline have direct negative consequences for children’s behavior and early literacy skills across the African countries we studied.
      These findings from 25 low- and middle-income African countries add to the growing body of evidence on the harmful effects of harsh parenting practices on child development. Moreover, developmental risks associated with harsh forms of discipline become magnified in families with poor material resources, poor access to health care, in the presence of neighborhood difficulties (e.g., violence), and with limited access to preschool education. It is difficult for children to show prudential interest in their social world and moral concern for others when parents hit, slap, pull, and belittle them.
      Header photo: Unsplash. More

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      in Children

      A solid foundation: Building children’s self-esteem during the COVID-19 pandemic

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      The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the pillars of children’s lives. Faced with quarantine, school closures, and social distancing, many children are deprived of the everyday experiences that normally build their self-esteem — their sense of worth as a person. Self-esteem is a critical ingredient of children’s mental health. Children with higher self-esteem tend to have happier lives, better relationships, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.
      Many parents see the process of raising self-esteem as building a structure: The first step is to lay a solid foundation. How, then, can parents help lay a solid foundation for children’s self-esteem during the COVID-19 pandemic?
      According to theories in psychology, children’s self-esteem is built on two pillars: acceptance and competence. Children feel good about themselves when they feel loved and supported by significant others (acceptance) and when they master new skills to achieve their goals (competence).

      “Parents can continue building warmer, more supportive relationships with their children. In warm, supportive relationships, parents share joy with their children, show fondness for them, and express interest in their activities.”

      Here, we present evidence-based strategies that parents can implement to cultivate acceptance and competence in children. These strategies do not require much time or resources on behalf of parents. Indeed, our aim is to ease — rather than increase — the burden placed on parents during these remarkable times. Parents may be under extreme stress: the stress of going to work while risking exposure to the virus, of homeschooling their children while struggling to meet their own job demands, and of caring for elderly parents while being concerned about their own health. It is important for parents to be compassionate to themselves and to embrace the imperfections of their new routines.
      Acceptance
       What can parents do to make children feel more loved and supported? For one, parents can continue building warmer, more supportive relationships with their children. In warm, supportive relationships, parents share joy with their children, show fondness for them, and express interest in their activities. Parents can do so, for example, by spending time with their children and letting them know they are enjoying their presence, by asking children with curiosity about their interests and daily activities, and by talking to children about their worries and fears in age-appropriate ways regarding the current pandemic.
      Photo: Unsplash.

      Such experiences of warmth are most likely to cultivate self-esteem when they are provided unconditionally, in good times and in bad. This isn’t about being a super-parent: “You just have to show up, allowing your kids to feel that you get them and that you’ll be there for them, no matter what.”
      Of course, as children age, they develop more friendships outside the family. Such friendships are an important source of self-esteem. Unfortunately, quarantine, school closures, and social distancing have made it incredibly difficult for children to maintain their friendships. When playdates are unsafe or simply impossible, children might need their parents’ guidance in connecting with their friends. For example, parents can help children meet up with friends online through games or video chat apps, encourage children to watch a show with their friends remotely, or assist children in making a playlist of their favorite songs and sharing it with their friends.
      Although seemingly trivial, these strategies may create upward spirals of self-esteem over time. Indeed, when children build deeper relationships with others, they develop higher self-esteem. And when they develop higher self-esteem, they become more inclined to approach others, show warmth to others, and forge even deeper bonds with them. This, in turn, further buttresses their self-esteem.

      “Parents can encourage children to find a topic that fascinates them and provide them with the resources they need to learn more about it.”

      Competence
      Children are born curious and spontaneously practice new skills. They often seek novel and challenging experiences that help them build their competence. As they feel increasingly competent, their self-esteem rises.
      Amidst school closures, children may attend online classes, get homeschooled, or not receive any education at all. In these cases, a large burden is placed on children’s intrinsic motivation. How can parents nurture children’s interest and joy in learning? Parents can encourage children to find a topic that fascinates them and provide them with the resources they need to learn more about it. They can use free educational resources (such as National Geographic Kids’ YouTube channel); create art projects; and help children build structures with Legos, blocks, or even household items.
      In these activities, it is critical for children to experience a sense of learning and growth. Even small steps on the road toward self-improvement should be celebrated. When children know they are improving themselves, they feel proud and eagerly seek out more activities to hone their skills.
      Conclusion
       The foundation of children’s self-esteem is laid early in life. We’ve shown that parents can help build this foundation by making children feel loved and nurturing their interest and joy in learning. Given the worries and fears that surround a global pandemic, a solid foundation can help children build toward a better future.
      Header photo: The Lowry. Creative Commons.  More

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      in Parenting

      Photomath Is The Perfect Math Help App For Parents

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      Even when you find math fun, it can be challenging! There are so many places to make small errors that can result in the wrong answer. If you are looking for support tools to cope with learning from home, you will love Photomath! This free math help app is a parent’s best friend. Stop pulling your hair out and use Photomath to solve and explain math problems.
      This post is brought to you by Photomath, a free math learning app that promotes comprehension of fundamental math concepts.

      What is Photomath?
      Since its launch in 2004, Photomath has topped App Store & Google Play Store education charts. In fact, this math solver app has over 190 million downloads globally. The Photomath app instantly scans and accurately solves math problems. It even shows math problem solving steps and explains those steps to ensure that you understand the math concepts.
      Photomath reads and solves mathematical problems instantly by using the camera of your mobile device. Photomath can check your work for printed and handwritten math problems. This award-winning math solver app makes math easy to understand and master.
      Super Cool Feature: You don’t need internet/data or wi-fi to use the free Photomath app once it is downloaded!

      This Math Help App Solves a Wide Range of Math Problems
      Can Photomath help with your child’s math work? Yes, this math education app is for K-12. Can Photomath help with college math? Yes, some college math.
      Photomath can explain anything from simple addition to more complex calculus problems. You can not only explore graph details such as the root and the domain but you can also use graphs to interpret solutions of equations and system of equations.
      Photomath is a great resource for that moment when your child comes to you for help but you don’t remember how to do that kind of math. Or you just want to make sure you have the answer right before you steer them in the wrong direction.

      Photomath for Parents
      Photomath is an amazing tool for parents. It lets them be the math expert their child needs to get help with homework and to learn how to solve problems step by step.
      My son is in Algebra and my daughter is in pre-calculus and sometimes they will come to me and say, “I don’t get it. How do you solve this?” With Photomath, it has been really nice for me to be able to make sure I have the correct answer, before I explain how to solve the problem.
      Fun Fact: Photomath was actually created by a father to help his children with their math homework!
      With more kids doing virtual school these days, and less chance for them to get to ask teachers questions, Photomath is sure to be a big help.

      This Math Solver App Is Easy To Use
      It is so easy to use Photomath. It is as easy as 1.2.3 Scan. Solve. Learn.
      How does Photomath work?
      First, download the free app.
      Scan
      Photomath uses advanced AI technology so all you have to do is open the Photomath app and point your phone’s camera at the math problem. Once the math problem is lined up within the red guide marks, you just push the red capture button.
      Solve
      After that instant scan, Photomath with show the math problem solution.
      If you are just checking your answer and you are right, you are all done.
      Learn
      If you are wanting to learn how to get the correct answer, you can push the red button that says “Show Solving Steps”. Still want to know more? You can push the red button that says, “Explain Steps”.
      Math can be a self-confidence crushing task when you don’t have the right support. Photomath is the #1 math help app to help learn math and to take the frustration and anxiety out of math. It works on both hand written and printed math problems.
      Whether you are a mathlete or math challenged, Photomath can help!

      That is my son’s math text book on the left with word problems and then on the right is the solution that pops up when I scanned the last word problem on the page. Yup, Photomath is an app that solves math word problems!
      Can Photomath solve word problems? Yes, if you upgrade to Photomath Plus.
      The Photomath math app is a free download. If you need Photomath to solve word problems, you can get a monthly subscription to Photomath Plus (just $9.99/ month or $60/year.)
      Photomath Plus solves word problems for select textbooks. There is a textbook icon at the top of the Photomath app where you can search for your textbook by title or ISBN number. If your textbook pops up, you can get expert explanations for even word problems!
      The app will automatically offer you the chance to upgrade to Photomath Plus, if the app recognizes that you use a textbook they support. Right now, it is even offering a Photomath Plus Free Trial for 7 days!
      Another cool bonus feature of Photomath Plus? Animated tutorials for textbook solutions, just like a teacher would do on a chalkboard! Here is an example.

      Download Photomath App
      The free Photomath App is available for download through the App Store and Google Play.
      Get the most used math learning app in the world now! – > Photomath.app
      With the Photomath math help app, you will learn how to approach math problems through clear steps and detailed instructions. With that kind of help, everyone can be good at math!
      Sounds like a recipe for confident, happy kids and happy parents:) Do you think you will give it a try? More

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      in Parenting

      10 Characteristics Of A Role Model

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      While people have the capability to be a rock of stability and achieve feats of human excellence, they also can fall victim to reckless mistakes and poor decisions. Good role models are like beacons of light that show you the way through their own example. Here are ten characteristics of a role model that make them natural leaders and serve to remind you of what is truly important.
      What Are Characteristics Of A Role Model?
      Having a role model to emulate often helps kids and even adults to achieve the results they desire and stay on a productive path. Role model qualities are worth striving to cultivate because they possess the ability to act as guardrails that protect the success and integrity of one’s life. Role model characteristics are important to exhibit to your children and help them develop as well.
      We can all serve as role models in various ways to our peers but as a parent it is our duty. We must exhibit the behavior we desire in our children to be an excellent role model. As Stanton E. Samenow Ph.D. points out, “Developmental psychologists emphasize that it is parents who constitute the most important role models in that their influence is crucial to their offspring’s personality development.”

      Willpower
      Willpower is the ability to act through adversity for the sake of a greater purpose. Ideal role models will often have overcome poor circumstances. They will gracefully deal with problematic situations in creative, intelligent ways to achieve their goals or overcome adversity. The ability to pull passion to succeed from within themselves is one of the admirable qualities of a role model.
      As a parent, demonstrating will power in the small things like having dinner before dessert is a good daily habit. Learning to have and exhibit will power in the small situations helps us to develop it and display it when it comes to bigger situations. In other words, doing the right thing, even when it feels hard to do.
      Confidence
      Confidence is a role model quality of belief that pushes a simple “yes” from the mind out into the world. One of the best ways to build confidence is to teach through encouragement. Setting high expectations and showing disappointment in a child’s failure to reach them is only setting them up for failure.
      Encourage your child, reward them with kind words as they work towards they goals, and praise their efforts. These things build confidence. Kids need a confident role model that teaches them to be confident too. Even if they aren’t certain of how to do something, a great role model will be confident that it can both be done if they put research and effort into it.

      Photo by Blaise Vonlanthen on Unsplash
      Dynamic
      Flexibility is not just a physical quality. It is also one of the important characteristics of a role mode. A person that is willing to vary their strategy and mold themselves into whatever is best for what they wish to achieve, is acting with a dynamic mentality.
      Imagine a car that also turns into a submarine, plane and spaceship. There are some situations where it might be best for it to fly, but others will demand it become a submarine. In life, trying only one approach in every situation is an easy way to fail. A great role model will know when to become relaxed, mindful, focused, dedicated, irreverent, humorous, intense and any other state of being that helps them to better manifest their intentions.
      Respectful
      Another of the important role model characteristics is respect. In other words, the art of understanding, accepting, considering and honoring one’s surroundings. An ideal role model respects themselves and all others. If they were to be challenged by anything from an angry driver to bullying at school, they would respond with understanding, empathy, and proper consideration of the results of their actions.
      Committed
      Effective role models persist in spite of setbacks and failures. The goal is more important to them than giving up is. Once they have committed to a decision, it is most often as good as done. Commitment is one of the characteristics of a role model that makes them reliable and worth looking up to.
      Role models possess a committed nature that is loyal and determined. At times, there will be certain circumstances where a commitment may no longer serve them. This is where being dynamic becomes even more important. However, the majority of time, a role model will consider carefully before they commit. Once committed, especially when other’s are relying on them, they will come through.
      Service-Oriented
      It’s important to teach your people that giving back to others in their community and beyond is necessary to be successful. A good role model volunteers their time and effort to be a contributing member of their community. Being of service in your community builds unity, teamwork skills, and creates a generous heart.
      Teach your kids the importance of service by regularly volunteering your time for causes and charities that matter to your family. Bring your children along so they can participate in service of their community as well.
      Self-Improvement
      The only way to grow and become a better person is to continually work on improving ourselves and our minds through education and conversation. Don’t be afraid to try new experiences, participate in conversations, and read books that open your mind to new ideas. This teaches your child to never stop growing as well.
      Making a habit of self-improvement allows us to grow and learn new things that can provide us a better life. A positive role model recognizes the importance of self-improvement and makes the growth mindset a way of life.
      Healthy Lifestyle
      A proper diet and plenty of exercise not only helps us live longer, it improves our brain function, gives us energy, and allows us to experience more of life. Our children follow our example so living a healthy lifestyle is an important characteristic of a good role model.
      Childhood obesity is on the rise and it leads to depression and disease in adulthood. Teaching your child healthy habits now will create good habits for the rest of their life. These habits will help them live a more fulfilling life.
      Be a role model through example by making healthy food choices and getting daily exercise. Include your child in these habits and teach them about making healthy choices.
      Honesty
      Honesty is an important family value to pass on. Sometimes being honest with your kids is one of the hardest things to do. Especially when it comes to past mistakes and missteps. But it shows your kids that you’re human too and you have made mistakes, but you’ve worked to do better.
      Being honest can be difficult, and it will come with challenges for young people too. However, showing a more vulnerable side of yourself and being honest even when it’s hard, will teach your kids to do the same.
      Honesty in a role model extends beyond just the words you speak. It also includes making your life an open book. Your kids should feel comfortable asking you anything and understanding who you are. Take your kids to work with you so they can see what you do everyday and why it’s important. Talk to them about how you create your family budget and what your financial priorities are and why. Keeping secrets about things that can help your child learn to be a better person won’t benefit either of you.
      Accountability
      And finally, the buck has to stop somewhere and that is with the person in charge. A good role model takes accountability for their actions and for the outcome of their plans. We are not always perfect and things don’t always work out as we thought they would so we have to own our mistakes and areas for opportunity so we can do better next time. We have to recognize what went wrong and be sure that those same errors don’t happen again.
      Conclusion- The Qualities Of A Role Model Make Them Natural Leaders
      So, there you have nine characteristics of a role model that can serve as roots of action. They are a great place to start on your quest for self-improvement. As a parent we are role models, whether we intend to be or not, so it is important to try to exhibit good role model qualities.
      Don’t let that contribute to parenting stress, rather remember to always do your best and be satisfied with that. Remember that you are leading your children through your words and actions. True role models walk the talk even in difficult situations. They are the kind of people who know how motivate others and make them want to be their best.
      Which of these positive role model characteristics is most important to you?
      Favorite Role Model Quotes:
      “A role model in the flesh provides more than inspiration; his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt, saying, ‘Yes, someone like me can do this.” -Sonia Sotomayor
      “I think role models also start in the home with your parents.” -Dominique Wilkins
      “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” -James Baldwin
      “Being a role model…is equal parts being who you actually are and what people hope you will be.” -Meryl Streep
      “I think a role model is a mentor – someone you see on a daily basis, and you learn from them.” -Denzel Washington
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      How To Find A Mentor
      How to Teach Your Child the Difference Between Right and Wrong
      10 Strategies For Wealth From Leanne Jacobs More

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      Sight Word Practice Ideas For Beginning Readers

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      If you are unfamiliar with the concept of sight words, they are words that beginning readers learn to memorize to help them build reading confidence.  In Tennessee, where I live, there are 40 kindergarten sight words that kindergarteners need to master.  A sight word is a word whose spelling is not always straightforward and memorizing sight words helps beginning readers get past that reading hump. Here are some entertaining sight word practice ideas to get your little ones confident with the sight words so that they will foster a love of reading.
      5 Fun Sight Word Practice Ideas:
      My son and I played a fun sight word game the other night that I thought I would share with you.  He wanted to play Tic-Tac-Toe which I find kind of boring so I substituted his sight words and it was more fun for both of us.  I hope you enjoy these kindergarten sight word learning ideas!
      (This post was orginally published in November 2012, but I thought I would republish it to share it with more beginning readers.)
      You can get printable sight words list from This Reading Mama. They will be great to work through and check off the words your child learns through the sight word practice ideas below. Then you can both see how much progress you child is making!
      Sight Word Tic-Tac-Toe Game

      I drew the Tic-Tac-Toe board and filled it in with random sight words.  Then I got to pick the square and he had to read the word.  If he got the word correct, we put a big “O” around it and if he got the word wrong, we put a big “X” over it.  He had to get three “O”s in a row to win and I guess I could have won if I had managed to get three “X”s in a row but I never did.  Trust me, you won’t mind losing when you are so proud of your child’s reading!  He wanted to play this over and over and each time you can use different sight words!
      Other Sight Word Practice Ideas:
      Flyswatter Sight Word Game-
      Place index cards that have the sight words written on them on the floor.  Call out a word and have your child slap that word with the flyswatter.  Kids love an excuse to swat!
      Hopscotch Sight Word Game-
      Draw a hopscotch layout outdoors in sidewalk chalk.  Then have your child fill it in with sight words and say them as he or she hops through the hopscotch!
      Silly Story Sight Word Game-
      Take turns creating silly sentences that include sight words and telling a story at the same time.  Good for laughs as well as using the words!  Have you child write or read the sight words you both use in each sentence.

      Sight Words Memory Game-
      Have your child write 10 sight words that they are struggling with onto index cards. Then have them do it a second time for the same words. Now comes the fun part- they will have 20 cards to play a memory game with. They will have learned a lot while preparing the game and playing it with you will make it fun and I bet they learn those sight words in time with this fun game.
      Sight Word Learning Tips
      Sight words can be intimidating to your child at first so make sure you showing them a lot of love and encouragement. If your child feels you are cheering them on, they will want to practice more and get more right. If your child feels like you are disappointed and frustrated, they will likely not want to learn at all because they will fear failure.
      Try feedback like, “You missed that one but I bet you get it right next time. You just need a little practice.” Or as my grandmother always said with an encouraging smile, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.”
      My kids love having a book read to them. If yours do to, ask them to point out sight words as you read! This should be all about having fun reading and being read to. “Patience is a virtue”, my grandmother always said. Don’t worry, have faith and have fun and the skills will come to them when the time is right. What are some of your favorite sight word practice ideas?
      Related Posts:
      Fun Kindergarten Sight Words Game Scavenger Search
      Homeschool Reading Curriculum
      Fun Family Activity Ideas More