Role Models

It’s tough when children and tweenagers (10-12 year olds) chose inappropriate celebrity role models. Here are some ideas that may help you counteract the effects of a negative influence.

- Avoid being critical. Do not demean a negative role model; simply make observations about his or her behavior or lifestyle - without condemning the person or being too sarcastic.

- Be the best influence. Keep in mind that a child’s most important influence is still his or her parents, not a sports figure or a music star.

- Encourage research. Allow your child or tweenager to get a good understanding about the details of a role model’s life by exploring magazines and Internet articles.

- Provide options. Do not focus on the TV and movies. Expose your child or tweenager to a diversity of experiences by visiting libraries, museums, plays, and non-pop music concerts. Checking with local libraries and community centers are a good place to start for inexpensive ideas.

- Share with your child. Talk about your appropriate role models when you were your child’s age.