Help Yourself, Help Your Children

SELFIE!

Children mimic what they see. Their first role models are their parents or guardians.Even as adults, most of us battle with problems of self-esteem and self-love that may be left over from childhood. This is why it is important to learn how to deal with our own issues with self-esteem. We don't have to be perfect. We just have to be willing to face our struggles and deal with them. Children learn the art of coping and overcoming through their parents or guardians.

Recognizing Your Own Vulnerabilities
One of the most important things we can do for our own mental health and the mental health of our children is to recognize that when we have problems it's ok to acknowledge this truth. Recognizing a struggle or difficulty makes it easier to address it and find solutions. Not all solutions will be automatic, some may require consistency and practice to master. This approach teaches children that despite the problems, it's still possible to live in a healthy manner and have a normal life.


Talking About the Process
Another beneficial action to take when modeling a healthy approach towards life is to show an openness towards the process of dealing with life's problems. When children witness and take part in conversations about difficulties in their own lives and in their parent's lives, a healthier attitude is usually born out of these types of open and honest exchanges. This teaches problem-solving and effective communication skills. When children and adults can verbalize their struggles and difficulties it becomes easier to accept that life is filled with challenges, but challenges can be overcome.

Letting Go of Judgement
Just as the person who has a job making custom product labels must perform to the standards of his position, we too must accept the job of navigating life's difficulties in a healthy manner. Once we truly accept this truth, it's easier to teach children to do the same because we are modeling the behavior we want to see them exemplify.

Life is filled with both hills and valleys. The sooner we accept this fact and practice the fine art of dealing with life's struggles in a healthy manner, the better. Our children will model the behavior we show them. This is why it's best to show them the healthiest ways to navigate setbacks and difficulties in how we deal with our own lives. The more we can consistently model healthy problem solving, the more we teach our children to do the same.