Howdy mamas! (imagine me tipping a cowboy hat just for giggles)

Once again I’m proud to bring you another awesome collaborative post on a topic that is very important. Being a better role model for our kids is something we all need to work on, so stay with me and feel free to jot these ideas down to better implement them going forward.

How To Be A Marvelous Role Model For Your Children 

As a single parent, you are the number one and sometimes only role model for your child. They, of course, think you are wonderful and idolize you (until they hit puberty that is!)  They will soak up your attitudes, behaviors, and views like a sponge. And it’s for this reason we should be very aware of the kind of example we’re setting for our kids, they are observing and learning even the most subtle of our ways. Here are just a few of the ways we can be a good role model and help them to develop healthy and productive behaviors which will be useful to them later in life. 

Eat Healthily

Kids are generally picky about food, that isn’t new information for anyone who has kids! However, they might refuse things now but in time are likely to go on to mirror your behavior and food habits. Seeing you filling up on healthy, delicious meals and making good choices will eventually become ingrained in them. Don’t make mealtimes feel stressful or chaotic, try them with new ingredients and if they refuse don’t make a huge deal of it.

Try it again in a few weeks, kids tastes can change in a very short space of time and even their mood can determine how open they are to tasting new things. Getting kids involved in the kitchen is a good way to encourage healthy eating and if they’ve helped to make it they’re more likely to try it.

Be Financially Savvy

Having kids is expensive, and being a single mom does not make it any easier, so getting yourself into the best position financially is always worthwhile. You could look into how to consolidate debt, how to boost your savings and how to budget better to get yourself on track. When you have your money in order you’ll be far less stressed from scrimping and saving and trying to make ends meet. Teach children the value of money, instead of giving them pocket money let them earn it.

Simple chores such as tidying their room, feeding a pet or loading the dishwasher will make them feel as though they’ve made an effort for it which can make them think more carefully before spending. It also teaches children the old adage ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’, when they ask for things they can appreciate that work has been put in to earn it.

Read Books For Fun

Children reading books can improve language, develop empathy, enhance concentration, teaches them about a range of topics and can encourage a thirst for knowledge. It’s far more beneficial than playing computer games or watching tv, and so anything that gives them an interest in books and learning is a wonderful thing.

Let them see how reading can be for fun and not just something they ‘have’ to do for school. Reading is great for adults too, it provides a fun escape, helps your memory and lots of other great psychological benefits. Read books for your own wellbeing, in doing so you show children that this is a great way to spend your free time. And of course, read with your children too.

Go here for a list of great books just for kids of single moms!

Be Social

Haha, say what? Yeah, I know…but listen. There’s nothing wrong with being introverted, I am a very socially awkward introvert so this idea is terrifying. However, there are a lot of benefits that come from being confident and sociable. It makes it easier for children to develop friendships, express themselves and not be held back by insecurity.

Take your children to groups and activities where you can both socialize with other children and adults. If they see you treating people respectfully and with manners, it’s a good way to encourage them to do the same. Introverted mamas unite! 

Are you ready to take on the world ahead as a more confident single mom? I sure hope so. Go be the best role model you can possibly be. Your kiddos will (hopefully) thank you later in life.  Give this post a like, comment & share, oh and don’t forget to subscribe! 🙂

A collaboration 🙂

Much love, peace out.

JessXO