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Health & Fitness

Once Upon A Role Model...

“Every move you make, every step you take, I‘ll be watching you...” must have been written by a child or with a child in mind.  It is with this in mind that you should consider, are you a role model?  If so, are you a positive role model?  On the most basic of levels, how does your child see you react in a given situation – one of contention or one of displeasure?   Are you reactionary or thoughtful in your actions/reactions?  Do you always think your way is the correct way and never consider an opposing view?  Do you take part in road rage while your child is buckled in to a car seat in the back of the car? Do you tell that little white lie in hopes that no one will catch it especially your child? Do you take part in cyber-bullying?

Whether we like it or not or whether we have thought about it or not, we are all role models.  As parents we should be showing our children through our actions how to overcome obstacles while inspiring them to achieve. Your child needs to know that there is a very clear cut set of values that guide your actions and decision making. They should know that disagreement is a part of life.  It is how you handle those disagreements that make the difference, presenting an opportunity for you to act as a positive role model.

As educators, it is yet again another venue whereby we are regarded as role models.  In this age of technology and social media our private lives are not so private. How are you presenting yourself via the internet and social media and is it what we are telling our students that they should be doing? This is when the discussion should happen about anonymity not being the green light to say whatever comes to mind.  Good judgment should be used not only because it is the right thing to do but also that there may be consequences for such actions. Facilitation is a large part of what we should be doing as educators and is an admirable quality to have as a role model.  Present the facts of both sides and allow the students to make a choice based solely on facts not editorials.

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Although role models take on many forms - educators, clergy, leaders and peers, your child should not have to look further than their own home to find a person that they will always be able to look up to and be inspired by.

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