From preschool on through their academic journey, your child will have a wonderful variety of capable teachers. However, you are your child’s greatest teacher. Here at Golden Days at Home, we believe in this phrase so fervently we adopted it as our motto. We take this belief to heart repeating and sharing its truth with intent.
The influence a parent has on their child’s life and development is constant. From birth, parents are at their child’s side or at least a guiding light along the stages and experiences they navigate. Through parental teaching and example, a child watches, listens and learns the value of morals, manners, responsibility and behavior. From their parents, children learn how to love, observe, nurture, cherish as well as understand what it is to be human. No pressure!
Obviously, there are a myriad of hats one wears as a parent. A vast array of opportunities to positively influence a young life. In this post, we will address four of the significant roles a parent plays in the life of their child. I too am a parent and appreciate being reminded of the significant role and weighty influence my parental responsibility holds. These nudges help keep me focused, mindful and committed.
Role Model
A role model is a person looked to by others as an example. Social science teaches that much of the learning that occurs during childhood is acquired through observation and imitation. As a parent, you are a regular presence in your child’s life. You naturally become not only your child’s most important role model but your child’s greatest teacher.
The power through which a parent impacts their child’s growth, emotionally, socially, physically, spiritually and intellectually, is by the role model they choose to be. A parent’s awareness and understanding of this fact presents a great responsibility. Acknowledging their strong influence and motivated by love, a parent is encouraged to self-evaluate and be or become their best self. They know they will be seen as an example, positive or negative, and a pattern for the way their child is to live their life.
Influencer
A person who inspires or guides the actions of others is defined as an influencer. A child is not only watching their parents carefully for clues about how to be; they are listening too. The way you speak, the tone you use, as well as what you speak about and the opinions you express are being heard by and influencing your child.
Children are consciously or subconsciously taking notes. Especially, if what they hear is familiar and repeated often. You may not think your child is listening to anything you say, but they are. Your child is learning from you and watching to see if your actions match your words.
“What you do, speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Children respect adults who live by the rules they teach. Being an influencer is similar to being a role model. Do you desire your child to be respectful in their actions and words? Carefully consider what you can do to model the behaviors and attitudes you desire in them. Through the early years, parents are the strongest influencers in their child’s life. Like little mirrors, children will reflect the behavior of their parents.
What traits do you value and want to instill in your child: honesty, respect, courage, generosity, strong work ethic, kindness, patience, diligence, responsibility, empathy, integrity? Examine how you influence your child in regards to what is important to you. Make adjustments if needed and be consistent. You are your child’s greatest teacher.
Mentor
A mentor is defined as an experienced and trusted adviser. Before a parent can become a mentor in their child’s life, they must lay the foundation for this esteemed and valued responsibility. Building a warm and nurturing relationship is where to begin.
When a child feels unconditional love and is nurtured in a safe environment, trust blooms. Giving consistent, firm and flexible discipline enables a child to know and grow within boundaries they understand and can rely on. Children want to know what is expected of them. When a child makes a mistake, they trust they will be forgiven by their parent and the situation will be resolved.
Effective and healthy communication is essential in becoming your child’s mentor. Sharing your own feelings enables a child to get to know you. You are teaching that it is safe and right to own and communicate feelings. Address challenges you face in your own life, in an age-appropriate way, and the process you go through to address problems. By example, your child will begin to understand life is full of ups and downs, learning and improving. What a great life lesson you have taught. Again, you are your child’s greatest teacher.
Investor
You love your child more than anyone else in the world. As a committed parent, you have invested more time, energy, thought and love than could ever be calculated. Prudently using a parallel from the world of finance, you understand the more you invest yourself in your child, the more you will minimize risk and maximize return. A beautiful fact is the currency you are investing and maximizing is love.
The Golden Days at Home preschool curriculum was created to assist parents in maximizing the precious, foundational time of early childhood. Your influence as role model, influencer and mentor shines as you spend deliberate time with your child teaching, creating, reading and enjoying shared experiences through the delightful lessons.
As parent/teacher, your unique role enhances the high-quality lesson plan objectives, instructions and activities. Naturally adding your own personality, interests and love creates a unique, shared experience for you and your little one. Designed to be user-friendly and implemented as a guide, the lessons leave a comfortable space to cater for you and your child’s needs.
At home preschool with their parent as teacher is a precious gift for your child. They would rather be with you more than anyone else in their world. Your positive, loving and committed presence will profoundly enhance these important and foundational preschool years. Teaching your child, guided by the Golden Days at Home preschool curriculum, is an opportunity to greatly influence their life as you are your child’s greatest teacher.
Written by Janet Nicole Meyer for Golden Days at Home.
The fun and colorful set of Asago Magnetic Cubes is one of the free-time favorite toys of the children in our care. The cube size (1.34″), colors and magnetic qualities entertain babies and children alike. A manual with visual instructions for creating familiar objects such as chairs, boats, etc. is included. As magnets, they are an easy clean up! A highly recommended, quality toy.
