The cornerstone of effective parenting lies in recognizing your pivotal role as the primary role model in your child’s life. From early childhood, they observe and emulate your behavior, making your actions profoundly influential on their conduct.
I attribute the success of my accomplished daughters—Susan, the former CEO of YouTube; Janet, a doctor; and Anne, the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe—to the practice of mindful modeling.
Drawing from my experience as both a mother and an educator, mastering these seven behaviors indicates a superior parenting approach:
1. Embrace Punctuality
Being punctual or, if unavoidable, communicating delays promptly demonstrates respect for others’ time—a value I instill in my students, children, and grandchildren alike.
2. Foster a Healthy Relationship with Technology
Excessive phone usage, as indicated by a study revealing Americans check their phones 144 times daily, can lead to divided attention. This behavior, detrimental to children’s focus, also affects their emotional resilience, as noted in a 2022 study.
3. Cultivate Healthy Eating Habits
Modeling nutritious eating habits, such as reading food labels and avoiding processed foods, imparts the importance of health to children. In my classes, I strictly prohibit soda consumption to prioritize my students’ well-being.
4. Prioritize Family Bonds
Even post-divorce, exhibiting collaboration and sharing both positive and negative experiences reinforces the significance of family. Engaging in enjoyable activities together fosters a supportive environment for children to navigate life’s challenges.
5. Uphold Truthfulness
While occasional white lies are common, deceit on significant matters erodes trust. Maintaining honesty prevents the breach of trust that undermines relationships.
6. Manage Anger Constructively
Controlling anger and avoiding yelling models healthy communication for children. Demonstrating restraint in emotional responses teaches children to address conflicts without resorting to aggression.
7. Acknowledge Mistakes
Practicing humility by admitting faults and offering opportunities for redemption exemplifies accountability. Embracing personal growth and learning from errors sets a valuable precedent for future generations.
Esther Wojcicki, an esteemed educator, journalist, and bestselling author of “How to Raise Successful People,” also serves as the co-founder of Tract.app and holds the role of chief parenting officer at Sesh. Connect with her on Twitter @EstherWojcicki.