Is it a case of do what I do, not what I say in your house? Sometimes it is here, however good our intentions.
You know the kind of thing, making the kids sit at the table for supper then eating a takeaway off our knees when they’re not looking. Telling them to get some exercise/save their pocketmoney/be kind and then finding yourself saying “sod it” and not bothering with any of that.
How important is it, do you think? Is an example the best thing we can give our kids? Or is it better that they see a whole human, flaws and all?
I’m fairly sure having good role models that – in end and most of the time – do the right thing is better than the alternative.
Lately I’ve spotted a couple of campaigns on this same subject – and they’re fairly persuasive.
The Scottish Government’s Kids in the Car campaign
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHlzjcGnHZg]
The FA’s Respect the Technology campaign
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzKD8o0-NZw]
And the apparently banned ad from Australia which is most compelling
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOMFqxurZBM]
Do you think it’s really as simple as that?
Very thought provoking – I hadn't seen any of those.
They do certainly make a point.
My son will see my flaws as I can't be perfect all the time. I think though I try to give him the best of me as often as I can…he tends to bring it out anyway. No I don't think it's simple. They do learn from the environment they are in and I can only hope that what I give him at home holds him in good stead when he will face the flaws as soon as his foot steps outside our front door.
It's brilliant that your son brings out the best in you. It sounds like a brilliant place to start.