10 easy ways to set your child a good example every day

It’s not without good reason that they say every child is like a mirror. Children copy the habits of their parents, as they consider them their greatest role models. Naturally, since they can't distinguish between good and bad behaviour at an early age, they simply copy everything from them. You can take advantage of this by setting your child a good example every single day, even when it comes to small things.‍

We have several tips to help you with where to start.

#1 Don’t say negative things about yourself

Although it may not seem so, your child is very sensitive to how you express things in regard to yourself. When you talk nicely about yourself, you glow with satisfaction. On the contrary, when someone constantly says only negative things about themselves, it transmits negativity into many areas of life. By speaking positively of yourself, you teach your child how to have a healthy sense of self-confidence and how to maintain self-esteem or self-love.

#2 Apologise when you make a mistake

Being able to admit a mistake is something that causes problems for many adults nowadays. But if we can't do it, then how can we expect the same from our children? So when you do something that you feel sorry for, do not forget to apologise. Your child will notice, and will start to do the same.

#3 Work hard

Another thing your child may notice and take from you is hard work. It is definitely not good if a child thinks that everything in life is free. Quite the opposite. From an early age you have to teach your child that we work to earn the money with which we can buy everything we need. So don't be afraid to talk to them more about what you do at work, and, if you have the opportunity, show them your workplace. 

#4 Always greet

We also set examples for our children in things that might seem like trifles to us. Ordinary greetings are a good example: whether it's a neighbour you meet at the entrance to the block of flats or in the street, or a saleswoman when you leave the store. 

#5 Use words like “please” and “thank you”

People often lecture children for not using these “magic” words, but they forget that just as much responsibility should lie with those who have not properly taught them to use them. If a child sees how their parents ask nicely for something they wish and then say thank you, they will start using these words automatically. 

#6 Hold the door for someone

Also, make sure that your child sees that small expressions of respect do not cost us anything, but they do mean a lot to others, and they can always conjure up a smile on their faces. Sometimes you just have to do a very small thing: for example, hold the door for a neighbour who is coming out of the entrance with you. When a child receives positive feedback in the form of a smile or praise, they will try to repeat this gesture the next time, too. 

#7 Tip staff

Teach your child to be generous. For example, if you let a shopkeeper  keep the change in the store, or tip a waiter, explain to your child why you have done so and that a person will always be very pleased. 

#8 Take an interest in your loved ones

It is an essential truth of human nature that in life everyone is pleased when someone calls or writes to us and asks how we are. For this reason, one ought to teach their children to be genuinely interested in the lives of others as well. For instance, you can spend time together calling grandparents or any other family members you haven’t seen in a while. 

#9 Compliment others

Receiving compliments is of course always a pleasant thing, but often understanding the art of giving them does not come naturally. From an early age, it is necessary to teach children that it is pleasant not only to receive praise or compliments, but also to give both freely, because it warms the hearts of others. You can lead them in this direction, for example, when watching cartoons by asking them how they would compliment a character.

#10 Read books together

A child not only copies their parents’ behaviour but also their habits. So when you spend quality time, for example, playing board games, talking or reading books, you build a healthy routine for them, which will become natural for them later in life. One fantastic activity that fits well into the concept of a healthy evening routine is reading and discussing fairy tales together, which not only supports your child’s imagination but also will let you spend pleasant moments together. Our Readmio application can of course assist you in this department - Besides numerous fairy tales, there you can also find wonderful illustrations and questions that will stimulate discussion in every household.