Do as I say, not as I do is NOT the best way to share yourself with kids. Instead, it’s important to model behaviors you want your children or children in your care to emulate. So, what are those behaviors?
(1) Manners
How we treat others says a lot about who we are. Kids are sponges. They pick up on what they see and hear and often carry those observations forward through their lives. Share your best examples daily.
(2) Language
How we speak of others (whether they are present or not) will be mimicked by kids. Observe others in stores or at functions; it’s truly fascinating.
(3) Together Time
Set aside down time and play time to spend with kids. Talk about your day and actively listen to their stories about their day and activities. Touch on funny moments, decisions you needed to make and how you handled them. This opens up discussing their decisions and how they handle problems at and around their school day and with their friends.
(4) Observation – Use of Senses
Take walks, visit museums, plant seeds, read stories. All of these as well as other activities develop their sensory skills and opens them up to understanding their world.
(5) Critical Thinking Skills
Encourage kids to ask probing questions, ones that go beyond recalling details and comprehending words and ideas. Edge them toward applying information in new ways, analyzing distinctions and evaluating what they see and hear.
(6) Use of Time
A day is a lot of time to waste. Model good use of time for working, playing, resting and sharing time with your family and classroom charges. Not every minute needs to be filled with work; most should plant seeds that develop positive, life-long behaviors.