Effective Modelling

Posted on January 8, 2010
Filed Under Homework, Influence, Schedule |

A parenting technique that so many people talk about is modelling the kind of behaviour you want your kids to adopt. It makes a great deal of sense, but can be hard. (What do you mean I can’t use any profanity ever? OK fine, for the sake of my kids I’ll try, but it won’t be very @*&#@^% easy!!)

I was mulling this over in my poor tired head when a simple solution occurred to me. It’s one that I’m sure I can implement and make successful:

I’m going to schedule my day (as much as I can) according to what I want my kids to see me doing.

At the moment I’m alone in a quiet house because they’re both at school. This would be a perfect time to sit down with a book, or practice some piano (I’m just starting to learn : )

But wait… how much time do parents of school aged kids really have to read for fun? Am I going to waste those precious reading moments while my kids are away and not watching me? Instead check my Facebook and e-mail while they’re here looking over my shoulder?

What do they normally see me do? Hmmm… housework, dinner prep, computer activities - all good, but how am I supposed to inspire my daughter to practice the piano unless she sees how much I enjoy it?

Such a simple thing… I’ll rearrange my schedule: I’ll do housework and blogging in the mornings while they’re sleeping and again later while they’re at school, and I’ll practice piano when we get home from school and read after dinner, before their bedtime. I can watch whatever TV shows I have taped after they’re in bed, and instead read a book while they’re still awake to see me.

My “ah-ha” moment for today: simple rescheduling for parents = dramatic change in influence and environment for kids.