Children begin learning about life early on from the people who surround them. From an early age, youngsters mimic their parents and look to caregivers to guide their development and demonstrate proper behavior.

According to Words Alive, an organization dedicated to inspiring a commitment to reading for lifelong success, 90% of a child’s brain develops by age five. During these first five years, abilities such as motivation, problem-solving, communication, and self-regulation are developed. Having the right role models in a child’s life, who influence them during these formative years, can lay a foundation for success.

What is a role model?

A role model is a person whose behaviors are emulated by others, according to Connections Academy® by Pearson. When a child has a positive role model, there is a greater likelihood that the youngster will engage in constructive behavior that mirrors the person they look up to.

Why are positive role models important?

Adult-child interactions can help shape an individual. The Center of the Developing Child at Harvard University noted that if an adult’s responses toward a child are inappropriate or unreliable, that child’s brain architecture may be disrupted and their emotional health impaired. The opposite is true when children have positive influences in their lives who respond correctly to a child’s behavior.

Choosing safe adults.

It is vital to surround children with safe adults who can be positive role models. According to Perpetrators of Sexual Violence: Statistics by RAINN, 93% of juvenile sexual abuse cases knew the perpetrator, and 34% were family members. Safe adults are those who model healthy behaviors and actions, setting an example for the child. Although a child’s uncle may be a beloved family member, that person may not necessarily be the best to be alone and interact with a child frequently.

What are good role model behaviors?

The following are some key characteristics of a positive role model.

  • Lives a healthy lifestyle that focuses on physical and mental well-being. This is a person who eats healthy meals, leads an active lifestyle, and makes good health choices, such as not smoking or drinking alcohol excessively.
  • Treats others with respect and practices self-awareness regarding their behaviors. When the role model makes a mistake, he or she owns that mistake and tries to remedy it.
  • Establishes goals and shows a commitment to values. A good role model is passionate about what they do, has a strong work ethic, and showcases confidence.
  • Tries to keep a positive attitude and is accepting and supportive of others.
  • A positive role model may also think about the kinds of people they looked up to when they were younger and the traits those individuals exhibited. Then, those similar traits can be implemented when interacting with children and adults.

Positive role models can impact children’s development and put them on the path to becoming well-adjusted, positive, and dedicated members of society.