Be a valuable role model

“Role models need to be ‘real’ people. While movie stars and professional athletes are often viewed as heroes, parents and other key adults close to a child are the most important role models,” said Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension parenting assistant specialist. “Children who are given encouragement by their role models to follow their dreams and reach for success will build self confidence.”

Richardson said positive role models will decrease the chances of students dropping out of school.

According to the study, Dropout Risk Factors and Exemplary Programs, dropping out of school generally is the result of a long process of disengagement that often begins before the child enrolls in kindergarten.  The study says that dropping out of school is related to many individual, family, school and community factors.

“Students whose parents or adult mentors spend time with them and show an interest in their activities have a decreased chance of dropping out of school, getting involved with drugs, violence and other risky behaviors,” she said. “By getting involved in the student’s education, using effective communication and interacting with teachers, students have every opportunity to succeed.”

It is important to build strong bonds within the family and school. Usually children are more affected by what adults do than by what they say. They learn how to behave by seeing how their parents or other adults act and follow their example.  Richardson suggests the following:

• Show an interest in your child’s school work. Try to relate common interests to school. Assist your child in setting realistic goals, but do not pressure them.
• Give your child responsibilities at home, for instance walking the dog or setting the table. This helps your child gain a sense of cooperation and accomplishment.
• Be sure to praise your child for their efforts yet try not to demand they always be the best. Everyone has off days.
• If you are too tired to spend time with your child, explain why and make arrangements for another time.
• Listen to your child and encourage them to ask you questions. Show respect for their concerns and problems.
• Discuss your beliefs and values.  Model what is important and apply to your own actions.  
• Be consistent in teaching and setting examples.
• Show children they are loved, do not just assume they know.
• Parents are not perfect.  It is important to admit mistakes, apologize and show you try to make things right.

Richardson said being your child’s main positive role model is one of the most important and rewarding things you can do.

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Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Ok 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.