Let them see your human side. Be real. We want our kids to look up to us and think that we are spectacular, but they have to know that we are not perfect and that we can be vulnerable. Here are some ideas about how to accomplish this. Read to the end to see why it’s important.
*Talk to your kids about mistakes you make. Share the lessons you’ve learned. Kids often have to make their own mistakes, but they can’t say we didn’t warn them!
*Say you’re sorry when you’re wrong, even if you are frustrated or in the middle of an argument with them. Or even if it’s the next day.
*Let them see you cry. So often, parents think they need to be strong for their kids when grief or tragedy strikes. Yes, you have to keep things together in general and continue your life, but it is really powerful for them to see you cry and have you share your feelings with them. It makes it easier or at least more acceptable for them when they feel similarly in the future. Why is that important? Because we don’t want our kids to push their feelings down or repress them. The fallout from that is a whole separate blog…or ten.
If our kids think that we are perfect or infallible, they will be less likely to bring their mistakes, imperfections and problems to us. That’s the last thing we want.
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