20 Best Ways to Set a Good Example for Your Child

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​As you practice good deeds in front of your children, they'll begin to notice and even mirror your actions. Here are simple ways to model kindness.
So it’s to be expected that many parents rarely ask themselves, “Am I setting a good example for my children?”

So in this article, I’ll share with you 20 Best ways for you to set a good example for your children.

1) Value relationships over material wealth. 
​I’ve heard it said that we ought to love people and use things. But many people do the opposite: they love things and use people. Show your children that relationships always matter more than things.

2) Mail a card to a friend who could use a boost.
Supporting a pal through a tough time is friendship 101. Help your kid learn the ropes by picking out a card together, then having them sign their name.

3) Be vulnerable. 
Don’t be afraid to tell your children about your failures and shortcomings. Share with them how you’ve learned to be resilient. Explain to them how you overcame the challenges and obstacles you faced. 

4) Offer to cut an elderly neighbor's grass, shovel their driveway, or carry large packages.
Friends step in when others need help. Even if your little one can't push a shovel yet, offering assistance in front of them sets a great example.

5) Pay someone a genuine compliment.
Taking the time to really notice a skill and point it out can encourage kiddos to do the same. And when they see how you value others' efforts, they might value their own a little more as well.

6) Be committed to personal development. 
Always be improving yourself in some way, e.g. knowledge, habits, skills, emotional control. Your children will see how committed you are to leading a better life, day by day.

7) Focus on health rather than appearance. 
Many parents I know often complain about their “fat thighs” and “flabby arms”. This sends the message to their children that appearance is what matters, when health and healthy habits are what actually count.

8) Thank the school's custodian.
It's easy for everyday faces to blend into your kids' backgrounds. Taking the time to thank helpers, like a school custodian or traffic guard, can remind them to notice those around them.

9) Volunteer for a community event.
Get your kids involved in the process by explaining why you're donating your time, and what your actions will do for others.

10) Listen attentively. 
This is one way to show respect toward others. So if someone is speaking to you, put away your phone or any other distractions and listen attentively.

11) Don’t be too concerned about what others think of you.
As Ann Landers once said, “At age 20, we worry about what everyone thinks of us. At age 40, we don’t care what anyone thinks of us. At age 60, we realise that nobody has been thinking of us at all.” We should be more concerned about living a purpose- and values-driven life, instead of worrying about gaining the approval of others.

12) Bring dinner to new parents.
Taking care of a meal can help make those hectic first few weeks a little easier. Plus, nothing inspires wonder quite like a tiny new person.

13) Offer to share your playground snacks.
Giving up precious goods may sting for a moment, but getting kids in the habit of sharing can foster generosity — and spark friendships.

14) Show interest in another person's day.
True friendliness means really seeing others for who they are. When your kids fill you in on their latest adventures, make eye contact, ask insightful questions, and really listen. The same goes for coffee shop run-ins and playdate pickups. You're showing your kids how to make important connections —and boosting your own relationships, too.

15) Forgive yourself and forgive others. 
If you’re living with shame or regret, now is the time to forgive yourself. And if you’re holding on to grudges because of what others have done to you, now is the time to forgive them.

16) Don’t say negative things about yourself. 
I know parents who say many negative things about themselves, e.g. “I’m too uneducated to be successful”, “I’m impatient”, “I have a bad temper”. Focus more on opportunities and possibilities instead of your limitations.

17) Celebrate the successes of others. 
Acknowledge and celebrate the successes that others achieve. This way, your children will understand why they should never be a sore loser.

18) Ask for help if you need it.
We all come to a place where we need help. If you need assistance or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. As the African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

19) Live within your means. 
Don’t get so caught up in the pursuit of material gain that you buy things you can’t afford. Living beyond your means will lead to a life of stress and possible ruin.

20) Be generous with your time and money.
Show your children that resources are meant to be given and shared for the benefit of others. The more we give, the more we live.

​Signing your child up for gymnastics is one of the greatest gifts of love that you could give them! Our hearts FLIP for gymnastics!
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