Why Kids Need a Role Model
It’s all too easy to fall into routines and daily habits that form into ‘just the way we are’. In the schoolyard and beyond, it’s easy to succumb to the influence of those around us. How we talk, act, and behave toward each other can be a direct result of what we learn.
Spending time with a role model, or in a structured and supportive environment can take the child from their day to day routine and formed habits that they learn from their friends and family.
A new voice that can talk with them throughout their formative years can do incredible things and help a young mind to develop with new abilities and higher expectation from themselves.
I asked a fellow Dad-Blogger, Jayson Merryfield about his experiences of growing up with role models. “I was in Scouting for a big part of my youth, from 7 through 17. For most of those years I was lucky enough to have the same core group of Scouters leading our group. They took us on more adventures and we had more boundary-pushing experiences than any of my friends. My parents divorced when I was young and my step-dad was often out of town working, so they were significant male role models for me. I learned so much more than just how to tie a knot from them.
I’m happy to say that now that I’m a dad myself, I’m finding an opportunity to give back to the Scouting family as a Scouter myself, and I’m doing my best to live up to the example that they set for me.”
I too was in the (British) Beavers, Cubs and then the Scouts, where we learned everything from how to make a fire to how to knit. I also learned how to be part of a team and to use the strengths and skills to work toward a common goal.
I am also lucky to have two incredibly supportive parents who taught me the value of manners, chivalry, how to speak clearly (though I still mumble a lot), and the enjoyment of completing a project, making things, cooking from scratch, and developing a photograph.
This Summer, I’m thrilled to be working with the Boston Pizza Foundation that works with role model programs across Canada.
For more than 25 years, Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects has worked with partner organizations to help give kids in need the role models they require to inspire them to realize their full potential and build a brighter future.
As well as giving people a little more direction, spending time with a role model can really make the world of difference for growing minds and those who find themselves without hope or in desperate situations.
Kids Help Phone is one of the projects that the Boston Pizza Foundation Future works with, providing a sympathetic, non-judgemental ear and the resources to help young people in times of need, or who just want to talk.
Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects partners include: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kids Help Phone, Live Different, JDRF and The Rick Hansen Foundation.
You can make a donation and find out more about the foundation right here: https://bostonpizza.com/en/bp-foundation.html or head into your local Boston Pizza restaurant and pick up a $5 Kids Card before October 1st.
Disclaimer: I’m proud to have been working with Boston Pizza and the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects to support this campaign.
Erica
September 24, 2017 at 10:16 amIt really is so important to have role models for kids. It’s great when kids have strong role models in their parents. But not everybody has that. And even those who do can benefit from role models outside of the nuclear family.
Hang Around The World
September 24, 2017 at 12:02 pmThis is the first time I read a blog post like this one, it is really original. I agree that kids need a role model especially in our era. Family is the first step of course.
I’m going to share it 🙂
admin
September 24, 2017 at 5:31 pmThanks so much!
Lacey Houghton
September 24, 2017 at 12:13 pmSuch a lovely scheme! I agree, a role model is essential to a childs growth, I enjoyed reading this 🙂
admin
September 24, 2017 at 5:31 pmThanks Lacey. Have you had a role model in your life?
Jelena
September 25, 2017 at 2:28 amExcellent post, thank you for sharing with us! I have three children and I try to be a good role model in my life. My mom was a great model for me, I will be happy if at least I’m a bit like that.
jamesrcsmith
September 25, 2017 at 7:20 amThat’s lovely! What are your top lessons to pass on?
Kate
September 25, 2017 at 6:24 amI agree, it’s so important for kids to be surrounded by adults that lead and teach by example.
Sheri
September 25, 2017 at 7:51 amKids Help Phone sounds wonderful as many kids feel they cannot talk to someone at home. I think being a role model to your child, or to a child is so important. It really helps to shape how they feel about themselves and who they become.
Patricia
September 25, 2017 at 7:53 amI agree. We all need good role models in our lives–but especially children who are just learning the way the world works. I’m sure you’re a great role model. Just continue what you are doing. You are doing a great thing by being there for children who need a solid role model!
jamesrcsmith
September 25, 2017 at 8:02 amThat’s really kind of you to say, Patricia. Thank you.
It’s always hard to pass on lessons that they might not want to hear. Right now it’s a case of learning good habits.
Oh to Be a Muse
September 25, 2017 at 8:45 amKids Help Phone sounds like a really fantastic project. Thanks so much for sharing this great cause.
Luci
September 25, 2017 at 10:29 pmAll children need a good role model so they don’t grow to be hooligans. You can tell by how a boy acts when he has a good or bad role model in their life.
Chei
September 26, 2017 at 10:25 amThis is so true. Kids really needs a role model to get them more inspire in their life.
Brittany
September 28, 2017 at 5:44 amYes and yes!! Im convinces more role models in children’s lives would dramatically inprove the direction our society is going. Wonderful post.
Herlina Kwee
September 28, 2017 at 5:33 pmDo little guys really learn how to knit there? I think that’s great. We need to teach all boys and girls to be independent in all aspects of life, not just what society think as their gender roles or duties. Kids Help Phone seems like a great project that need to spread all over. It’s sad how bullying are so common nowadays both online and offline. If Kids Help Phone are available to provide support, maybe we won’t see stories of how young people are committing suicides due to bullying.