4.9 – Our own behaviour

If we want our children to make good behaviour choices, then we need to think about how we behave ourselves.

Parents as role models

Everything we say and do in front of your children is the biggest part of their learning so we really need to think about our own behaviour – are you a good role model?

As parents, we may not realise how much children mimic or copy our behaviour. Can you think of any times that you have noticed your child copying a behaviour they have seen you do.

Take a look at this video

In your worksheet, write down some ways your children have copied you in a good way and in a bad way.

Whether it is positive or negative, we have to think carefully about what we are teaching our children by the way we behave.

Now have a look at the following commonly used phrases: “Like father, like son”, “Do as I say, not as I do”, “An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

What do these sentences mean to you? Are they positive or negative? Write your responses in your worksheet.

Now we are going to look at giving positive attention and praise…

Next: 4.10 – Positive attention & praiseBack: 4.8 – Behaviour & discipline