You Can Change the World

The first thing we need to understand is our children mimic our actions. Why? Caregivers are the child’s first role model. This is exhibited when we observe them wearing our shoes or other personal belongings. This is not simply dress up time. They may also say that they want to be just like their caregiver when they become a parent. Why? It’s simple, really. We show them affection, love, compassion, comfort, and reassurance. What kid would not want to be like their caregiver when they have children in the future. Cool, right? Well, that depends.

Do you bash others for being a different race, having a different sexual orientation, or having a disability? How about differing political views, religious beliefs, or customs/traditions?

Now that you have answered the above honestly, have you acted in this manner in front of your children? How about on a social media handle where not only your child, but worse, other children can read what you wrote for the world to see further sowing the seed of hatred?

So, how do we break this nasty cycle in an effort to not only improve our children’s way of life, but provide a great example for the rest of society? The first step is through self-awareness.

We are all human. We make mistakes. However, it is how we plan to correct and recover from these mistakes that make a lasting impression in our children’s eyes. In addition, once we recognize that mistake, not repeating the same mistake continuously speaks wonders to our children, as well. It shows them that we, as adults, make mistakes too. We also need to accept the consequences of our mistakes, and try to not make the same mistake in the future.

The cost associated with bullying could be dire. Bullying someone for any reason leads to a number of issues not only for the victim, but also potentially the bully, others involved, and innocent bystanders.

Bullying can lead to suicide, homicide, or a mass shooting. It can also lead to a lifetime of mental health issues, crime, and drug use. At a minimum, it will make the victim hate school leading to excessive tardiness and absences resulting in a reduced chance of him or her having a successful future. It is important to explain to your children that bullying, to include cyberbullying, has lasting effects on the victim.

Now that you can see the lasting impact your choices have on future generations, are you willing to change your ways? Are you strong enough to not only respect others views on life, but to also teach your children that everyone is different in their own way — including you and your children? Together, we can change the world by starting with our home!