How to Be a Positive Role Model for Your Children
Being a dad is one of the most important jobs you’ll ever have. As a father, your kids are watching and learning from you every day—whether you’re aware of it or not. Your actions, words, and attitude shape how they see the world and influence the type of person they’ll grow into. In Australia, the role of a father has evolved, and more dads are embracing the idea of being active, positive role models for their children. But what does that really mean, and how can you be the kind of dad your kids look up to?
The Importance of Positive Role Models in Australia
Australian society values mateship, fairness, and resilience—qualities that we want to pass on to our children. However, research shows that many Australian fathers worry about whether they are being good role models for their kids. According to the Fathering Project, fathers who actively participate in their children’s lives have a profound impact on their emotional and social development. Children who have positive male role models are more likely to develop healthy relationships, succeed academically, and cope with life’s challenges. As dads, our job is to lead by example and help our children grow into kind, respectful, and resilient adults.
1. Be Present and Engaged
It sounds simple, but being present is one of the most powerful ways to be a positive role model. In today’s busy world, it’s easy to get distracted by work, social media, or the footy game on TV. However, your kids need your attention and presence more than anything else.
- Set aside quality time: Make time for your kids, whether it’s playing in the backyard, reading a bedtime story, or helping with homework. It’s not about quantity—it’s about making those moments count.
- Put the phone away: When you’re spending time with your kids, give them your full attention. Put the phone down and be fully engaged in what they’re doing, even if it’s just listening to them talk about their day.
- Show interest in their interests: Whether your child is into dinosaurs, Lego, or netball, take the time to engage in their world. Ask questions, participate, and share their excitement. It helps them feel valued and understood.
Light-Hearted Tip:
Even if you don’t know the difference between a T-Rex and a Stegosaurus, showing genuine interest in your kid’s “dinosaur lecture” will earn you serious dad points.
2. Model Respect and Kindness
One of the most important things you can teach your children is how to treat others with respect and kindness. Your kids will watch how you interact with people and will learn from your example.
- Treat others with respect: From the barista at your local cafe to your partner, show your kids what it looks like to treat people with kindness and respect. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it.
- Apologise when necessary: We all make mistakes. When you do, own up to it and apologise. It teaches your kids that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes, as long as you make amends.
- Encourage empathy: Show empathy in your interactions, and encourage your kids to think about how others feel. Ask questions like, “How do you think that made them feel?” to help them develop emotional intelligence.
Light-Hearted Tip:
If you accidentally trip over the dog, apologise like a gentleman in front of your kids—it’s a win for both empathy and animal rights.
3. Demonstrate Healthy Coping Strategies
Life can throw some tough situations your way, and how you handle them can have a big impact on your kids. Showing your children how to cope with stress, frustration, and failure in a healthy way is a key part of being a positive role model.
- Stay calm under pressure: When things don’t go to plan, try to keep your cool. Whether it’s a stressful day at work or dealing with a tantrum, model calm and thoughtful responses.
- Teach problem-solving: Encourage your kids to think through challenges and come up with solutions, rather than getting overwhelmed. It helps build resilience and self-confidence.
- Take care of your mental health: Talk openly about mental health and show your kids that it’s important to take care of yourself. Whether it’s going for a walk, talking to a mate, or practicing mindfulness, let them see you taking proactive steps to manage stress.
Light-Hearted Tip:
Next time you’re stuck in traffic, instead of getting frustrated, turn it into a sing-along session with your kids. They’ll learn that even the worst situations can have a fun side.
4. Teach the Value of Hard Work
Kids are natural imitators, and they’ll pick up on how you approach work and responsibilities. Whether it’s your job, household chores, or personal goals, showing your kids that hard work pays off is an essential life lesson.
- Involve them in tasks: Encourage your kids to help with age-appropriate chores around the house. It shows them the importance of contributing and working together as a family.
- Talk about your work: Share your experiences at work—both the good and the challenging. Let your kids know that effort and persistence are important, and that sometimes hard work doesn’t always lead to immediate rewards, but it’s worth it.
- Celebrate effort, not just results: When your kids try their best, even if they don’t win or succeed, celebrate their effort. It teaches them that doing their best is what really matters.
Light-Hearted Tip:
When you’re fixing something around the house, invite your kids to be your “assistant.” Just be prepared for them to declare themselves the new foreman after five minutes!
5. Prioritise Health and Wellbeing
Your kids will learn how to care for their health and wellbeing by watching you. From eating habits to exercise and sleep, showing that you value a healthy lifestyle will help your children adopt the same mindset.
- Be active together: You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic, but staying active with your kids is a great way to set a positive example. Whether it’s kicking the footy at the park or going for a bike ride, make movement a part of your routine.
- Eat well: Kids are more likely to eat healthily if they see you doing it. Enjoy balanced meals as a family and talk about the benefits of healthy food.
- Get enough rest: Prioritising sleep and showing your kids that rest is important can help them establish good habits. No one’s a superhero on five hours of sleep!
Light-Hearted Tip:
Turn “screen time” into “active time” by challenging your kids to a dance-off to their favourite song. Just be prepared to lose—it’s all about enthusiasm, not skill!
