One of the most important things that parents can do for their children is to be good role models. Children learn by observing and imitating the behaviour of those around them, so it’s crucial that, as parents, you set a good example for them.
How do you do that? Walk the talk, that is. What we mean is exhibiting the same behaviours you want your child to adopt that’ll set them on the right path towards success.
Whether they’re an aspiring vocalist, dancer or theatre actor, there are a few important attributes that make up the foundation in a child determined for growth. These include:
1. Being self-disciplined
Any successful artist will agree that self-discipline is key, and this spans various facets. Waking up in time is one, reaching their performing arts classes and auditions early is another. Sticking to personal practice schedules is also an example of being disciplined. This extends to maintaining personal health in terms of daily exercise and nutritional intake as well.
How to set a good example as a role model?
For your child to adopt these positive habits, you’ll have to be self-disciplined too. If you keep skipping your gym exercises, or waking up and arriving at work or events late, for instance, your child would pick up the same, thinking this is normal.
Reinforce discipline in your child by exhibiting the same – show your child how to do it. You can also inspire your child by sharing the merits of being self-disciplined. This could be anything, from your incredible weight loss journey to a well-balanced work-life schedule. They’ll know why, then, that you’re the perfect role model for them!
2. Pronouncing and articulating your words clearly
A singer or actor has to inspire their audience through words – this can only be done when clauses and dialogues are pronounced and articulated clearly. While we live in a community boasting multiple languages, dialects and slang, your child must still maintain the ability to speak professionally in ways the masses would understand.
How to set a good example as a role model?
One of the best ways to drive the same flair in your child is by showing them how to switch from colloquial tones to universal delivery. Drop the pragmatic particles like “lah” and “hor” when speaking with your child’s teachers and classmates’ parents, for instance. When making an order over the phone, show what it takes to send a message across coherently. The best you can do as a role model? Speak the same way with your child!
Pay attention to pronunciation – how words should sound – and articulation – the clarity in the delivery, which includes speed and auditory function. Our tips on building everyday communication skills in children can be a helpful guide too.
3. Being respectful and humble
In any performing arts class, your child will be interacting with various individuals, including peers, mentors and instructors. At the heart of a fulfilling experience lies having healthy relationships with these individuals, and this begins with respect. Communicating with courtesy lets your child come across as approachable, a necessary trait in teamwork.This is key in being able to form closer bonds that will help them in both their professional and personal development. Aside from respect, humility is important too. When your child receives feedback from mentors and instructors, they’ll learn to take them in constructively and work on themselves harder. This means being able to accept that they have made a mistake or that there is room for improvement, which is necessary for any artist to succeed.
How to set a good example as a role model?
It’s the little things that matter.
Speak respectfully to everyone, both young and old.
Be open to criticism – perhaps get your child to provide feedback for your own work and let your child see how you appreciate it.
Say sorry when you need to.
Being a role model for your child may be challenging, but it sure has its merits. They’ll go on to be impactful and driven performing artists, who can then be role models for others. Whether your child joins performing arts classes at MindChamps Académie of Stars or advances to tertiary levels in a domain of their preference, your efforts will pay off when you learn how successful they have become.
Book a visit to the centre to learn more about the various performing arts classes and school holiday workshops available.