Role Models / Mentors

Watch Out! They’re Looking for Role Models. Even if you think your kids don’t listen to you, they’re always watching everything you do. As a parent or caregiver, you are a role model to your kids, and your actions - positive or negative - have a tremendous effect on them. Other kids are watching you, too. Young people learn a lot from adults, just by observing their behavior. You can be a positive role model for young people and help lead them to make positive choices themselves. But, if adults misuse alcohol or other drugs, young people are likely to follow. If you choose to be alcohol-free, explain why you have made this choice If you choose to drink, let your children see you drink small amounts that do not produce intoxication. Be a responsible host by having non-alcoholic drinks available for adult guests, and never send the wrong message by providing alcohol for young people. What is a Role Model? A role model is someone whose behavior is copied by others, someone worthy of imitation. Role models can be positive or negative. We sometimes tend to think of a role model as someone famous such as an actor, a sports figure, a political or other type of leader. However, youth often refer to one or more of their parents or other relatives as their role models. Why Do Youth Need Role Models? For direction For inspiration To navigate To problem solve To know how to make choices To know what to do What Qualities Do We Hope to Find in a Role Model? Integrity Compassion Honesty Inspiration Responsible Law-Abiding Self-Confident Sincere Caring Able to relate to others Can set boundaries Accepting of others Sense of Humor You Are Your Child’s Most Important Role Model. Do we mean what we say? How do we talk about others? What is our patience level? How do we treat service people? Are we overly worried, fearful, sad or depressed? Do we follow through on plans, projects, promises? How do we handle problems? Are we compassionate towards other people’s feelings or ideas? What are our eating habits? Our work habits? How do we use prescription drugs? Other drugs? How do we use alcohol and tobacco? Watch out. They are looking for Role Models. And they are watching you. MENTORING There are many opportunities to be a mentor in Thurston County. Getting involved in TOGETHER!’s after school programs is one way to be a mentor. For additional information about mentoring and mentoring opportunities, go to www.betheone.info.