From the moment they enter the world, children are like impressionable sponges, soaking up everything around them. But no influence is quite as powerful as that of their parents. You are their first teachers, their confidantes, and most importantly, their role models.

This influence unfolds over time, shaping your child’s personality, values, and behaviors. Let’s explore this fascinating journey, understanding how you, as a parent, can be the most positive influence in your child’s life:

The Early Years (0-5 years old):

• Building a Foundation of Trust: Infants and toddlers learn by observing and interacting with their primary caregivers. Your responsiveness to their needs, the warmth of your touch, and the consistency of your routines all contribute to a sense of security that forms the bedrock of their emotional well-being.
• Nurturing Communication: Even before they can speak, children are constantly trying to communicate. By responding to their babbles and coos, talking to them throughout the day, and reading them stories, you are laying the groundwork for strong language skills and a love of learning.
• Modeling Social Skills: Children learn how to interact with others by watching how their parents interact with the world around them. Be mindful of your communication style, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. These are the lessons your child will carry forward.

Daughters & Mothers: Often, a strong bond forms between mothers and daughters. Daughters tend to observe and emulate their mothers’ behaviors, choices, and attitudes towards themselves and others.

• Body Image and Self-Esteem: Mothers who practice self-care, healthy eating habits, and positive body image set a powerful example for their daughters.
• Communication and Relationships: The way mothers handle conflict, express their emotions, and navigate their own relationships teaches daughters valuable lessons about communication and connection.

Sons & Fathers: Similarly, sons often gravitate towards their fathers, seeking guidance and emulating their behaviors.

• Work Ethic and Responsibility: Fathers who demonstrate a strong work ethic, take responsibility for their actions, and are actively involved in household chores provide a valuable blueprint for their sons.
• Emotional Expression and Vulnerability: Fathers who can express their emotions healthily, show vulnerability, and engage in open communication teach their sons valuable life lessons. You want to show your son how a man should walk, talk, act and react. These traits are meant to be specific, seeing that a son only can learn man hood from their father.

The Pre-Teen Years (6-12 years old):

• Developing Independence: As children enter this stage, they begin to seek independence and explore their individuality. Parents can offer guidance and support while encouraging them to make age-appropriate choices.
• Building Character: Your reactions to challenges, your handling of finances, and your commitment to honesty all become valuable life lessons for your pre-teen.
• Navigation of Friendships: Pre-teens navigate the complex world of friendships. By demonstrating positive social skills, empathy, and healthy boundaries in your own relationships, you provide a valuable model.

Daughters & Mothers: During this period, daughters often grapple with social pressures, body image concerns, and the development of their identities.

• Open Communication: Mothers can create a safe space for open communication, allowing daughters to express their anxieties and seek guidance.

Sons & Fathers: As sons transition into adolescence, fathers can provide a strong male role model who can offer support and guidance.

• Healthy Risk-Taking and Problem-Solving: Fathers can encourage healthy risk-taking, teach problem-solving skills, and offer a safe space for sons to discuss challenges.

The Teenage Years (13-18 years old):

• Respecting Boundaries: Teenagers crave independence, yet still need guidance. The key is to establish clear boundaries while offering them increasing autonomy as they mature.
• Navigating Conflict: Teenagers will push boundaries and test limits. Remain calm, communicate effectively, and use this as an opportunity to teach conflict resolution skills.
• Decision-Making and Responsibility: Empower teenagers to make age-appropriate choices and face the consequences of their actions. This fosters responsibility and helps them develop critical thinking skills.

Daughters & Mothers: Teenage daughters often grapple with self-esteem issues, peer pressure, and academic challenges.

• Positive Reinforcement and Support: Mothers can offer unwavering support, celebrate their daughters’ achievements, and focus on their strengths to boost self-esteem.

Sons & Fathers: Teenage sons often face pressure to conform to societal expectations of masculinity.

• Open Communication and Emotional Support: Fathers can create a safe space for open communication, allowing sons to express their emotions and anxieties without judgment.

The College Years (18+ years old):

• Letting Go (With a Safety Net): As your child embarks on this exciting new chapter, it’s time to transition from close monitoring to offering guidance and support.
• Focus on Communication: Maintain open lines of communication. Encourage them to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Be a sounding board and a source of emotional support. Doing this will ensure you as their counselor. A parent being the counselor of their own child ensures great guidance and also (being that you raised them with discipline) would be impartial. {at least you should be impartial)
• Promoting Independence: College is a time for them to develop essential life skills like budgeting, time management, and healthy living habits. (I spoke on this in a previous article). Encourage them to take ownership of their academic and personal well-being.
• Respecting Boundaries: While you remain a source of support, it’s important to respect their growing independence. Avoid micromanaging their lives or making decisions for them. However, make sure they understand to do nothing without advice and COUNSEL before every action; running your ideas (Even as an adult) through someone as a filter always ensure a proper result. Counsel helps to see obstacles that you by your lonesome would have never seen had it just been you making every single decision without advice. Don’t hold their hand but be by their side.
• Celebrating Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate their achievements, big and small. This reinforces positive behaviors and motivates them to continue striving for their goals.
• Lifelong Learning: College is just the beginning of their educational journey. Encourage them to develop a love of learning and a curiosity to explore new ideas.
• Building a Support System: Help them build a strong support system on campus. This could include roommates, classmates, professors, or university advisors.
• Remember, this is a collaborative process. As your child transitions into adulthood, the dynamic of your relationship will evolve. By letting go (with a safety net of love and support), you empower them to become confident, independent individuals.