Children are fortunate if they can look back on their formative years and embrace memories of a good childhood, with positive role models. How many of us can say we had good role models growing up?

I think a generation makes a big difference. Values, influences and society change through the generations. Outside influences bring change, both for the better and for the worse. But whether parents are good role models or not, what children learn, stays firmly etched in their psyche.

Teachers will also influence children as will grandparents, people we hope will positively influence our children. But there will always be people who don’t make good role models, from families and institutions alike.

When it comes to parenting, we get one shot at making a difference, although we won’t know whether we’ve been successful or not, until our children are older.

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Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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6 comments on “Role models”

  1. I think most parents make good role models for their children. But there are those that fail, so their children look elsewhere for role models especially if the parents don't take the time to spend time with their children. This can be a bad thing for some because the role models they choose may not be the best for them.

    Other role models like grandparents, teachers, leaders in their church and other family members are also great role models. We just don't want our children to see role model who are a bad influence. That's why parents should be involved in their children's life and have a great relationship with them.

    1. I am sure there are parents who do make great role models Lisa, but this isn't something I have seen and probably doesn't happen for all children. A lot I believe depends on what our parents' role models for them were.

      There are also people in the professions you have mentioned who of course make good role models, but again as with all professions there are also not so good role models, that years later we get to find out because they make headlines for all the wrong reasons. I know someone personally who suffered abuse.

      I am sure there will be parents and other people I don't know about who do make good role models.

  2. I think that in today's society, good role model are few and far between and so because children look desperately for these role models, they pick the wrong ones.

    Musician and actors or actress's have become the role models of today and when they get into trouble and go to jail, then jail becomes chic. Heroin has also become fashionable.

    I think the youth of today don't know how to pick a role model and when they do the role model most often turns out to be a bad influence. Even sports figures are getting into trouble with the law and on the field.

    This all adds up to one thing and that we must define what a role model should be and help our children in this choice.

    1. I think there is definitely something in what you say Brian, but most of these role models are parents too. It is a shame that they aren't fulfilling that role first, doing it well then working on their professional careers.

      As with all things in life, some things have to give. In my opinion, it is very difficult to have a successful career and successful children. It's very hard to do both well.

  3. I told you I would be here. Boy you've been through a lot lately. We can support each other. Just keep going and keep doing what you've been doing. I know it's vary hard sometimes.

    I cried today. Nikki took off today, and the staff have been different from normal. It's been hard since my grandma passed away.

    Let's keep playing games together okay on Facebook. Thanks for chatting today. I read your 17 18 20 22 journals. They're pretty good and emotional. Have a good night!

    1. Thanks Colleen. So pleased you're back on site. I'll keep doing what I'm doing, but I want you to do the same too! It's nice that we can support one another. Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I'm here for you.

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