"Always Remember! Your Child ONLY Imitates Your Actions. The Best Parent = The Best Role Model."
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
We often busy ourselves chasing the best schools and extra lessons, yet we neglect the one most crucial investment: ourselves. Psychology reveals a fundamental truth—your child essentially only imitates your actions! The key to your child's success, according to psychology, is not what you buy for them, but what you consistently show them.
These five daily habits are essential for you to demonstrate, as they are the habits that will shape your child's future:
1. Show the Struggle, Not Just the End Result
In the age of social media, we tend to showcase only highlights of success as if our lives are without hurdles. However, children desperately need to see you struggle, try again after failing, and ultimately get back up. Never hide your struggles. Let your child see you get frustrated but still persevere. When you fail, let them hear you say, "Well, this time it failed, but Mom/Dad learned X and will try method Y tomorrow." A child who sees their parent resilient after a fall will grow up with an anti-fragile mentality (grit). They will understand that failure is merely part of the process, not the end of the world.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
2. Become a Lifelong Learner
Do not let your child think that learning only happens in the classroom. They need to see you as a lifelong learner, actively engaging your Growth Mindset. Make curiosity contagious. Get busy with a new hobby, read non-fiction books, or take an online course. When your child asks, "What are you doing?" Answer enthusiastically, "I'm learning something new, it's exciting!" Show that you value effort more than instant results. By doing this, you break the myth that successful people are those "born with talent."
3. Practice Accountability and Commitment
One of the biggest predictors of success in the professional world is accountability. Your child needs to see you take full responsibility for your role. To achieve this, take full responsibility and involve them in household chores. Psychologists agree that children who do household tasks develop better empathy and collaboration skills. Most importantly, if you promise to take them to the park but forget, admitting the mistake is key. Say, "Mom/Dad made a mistake, and I am truly sorry. We will definitely go tomorrow." This is how you teach genuine honesty and accountability.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
4. Prioritize Kindness Over Wealth
In the midst of competition, it's easy for us to measure success only by salary and position. However, your child must know that character values are far more precious. Instead of always asking, "What grade did you get?" Try replacing it with, "What was one good thing you did for your friend today?" Or, "How did your friend feel about your help?" Be a role model for empathy by letting your child see you help others, such as giving up your seat on public transport. Visible acts of kindness automatically instill empathy in your child.
5. Value Quality Time
This is not about spending 24 hours together; it's about total presence when you are with them. When you are playing or talking to your child, put away your phone—be fully present. Show that your time with them is the most important thing in the world. Furthermore, demonstrate how you manage your emotions and communicate healthily with your partner. This is the blueprint for relationships that they will imitate in their adulthood.
Photo by Christi Marcheschi on Unsplash
WRAP-UP!
Having a child who reaches their best potential does not require coercion or significant expense. The true key lies in focusing on yourself. Instead of trying to change your child, strive to be the best version of yourself, and your child will naturally follow suit. Remember, the greatest investment you will make for their bright future is not money or facilities, but the consistency and quality of your own daily habits.
