Introduction
Character modeling is the act of demonstrating desirable character traits and values. It is very crucial in shaping a child's personality in terms of moral and character.
Children absorb everything around them like sponges, especially the behavior and values of their parents, caregivers, educators, and mentors. They learn by observation, imitation and by modeling what they see adults or their parents do.
Parents especially , have the responsibility to empower their children in the best way possible; They owe them the duty of nurturing them to posses exemplary character traits.
If parents model honesty, integrity, kindness, empathy, love, good morals, responsibility, a child will grow up and emulate all these traits and become an exemplary individual.
Importance of character modelling
• Character modeling helps children to develop morally.
• It helps to shape children's personality.
• It helps children to build strong relationships and effective communication skills.
•Character modelling helps teach children how to observe, imitate and model adults or parents' way of life or character.
• It helps children to mirror the behaviors and values he or she has witnessed.
• It teaches them kindness, empathy, compassion, love etc.
• It teaches children how to develop social skill. It also impacts on their social, emotional development.
• It helps in the areas of communication and language skills.
• It teaches problem solving skills.
Practical tips on how to empower children through character modeling
√ Be Mindful of Your Actions: If you make a mistake, don't excuse it, accept iit is an error, this way you are teaching a child how to take responsibility for whatever he or she has done, and how important it is to learn from errors.
√ Show Empathy: This way, you will be teaching a child how to be compassionate,how to show empathy and kindness towards others.
√ Promote Open Communication: Show that you are a good listener by allowing the child to express himself or herself. And when you speak, be respectful and honest. Invariably, you will be teaching a child to be a good listener and how to express himself or herself effectively and honestly.
√ Practice Gratitude: Show appreciation for all the little little things you have or that happen in your life. Also teach a child to do the same. You can have a gratitude jar or box where you write and drop the little things you are grateful for.
√ Model Problem-Solving: Demons-
trate how to handle challenges and how to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
√ Encourage Acts of Kindness:
Volunteer to help neighbours, orphans, the elderly, the sick etc. Ensure to do these as a family. You will be instilling the habit of kindness, giving, helping and selflessness in a child.
√ Set Realistic Expectations: Set attainable goals.Avoid setting goals that are not realistic. Encourage a child to do his or her best.
√ Model positivity: Show that you are always positive minded, patient, persistent and hardworking.
Conclusion
Our actions and behavior can shape the lives of our children and the values they imbibe. They can also help them become better versions of themselves. Therefore, one of the best ways for you to teach your children good character is to lead by example. "Be a good role model."
By Oluwatoyin Molade
