Who Are Your Children’s Role Models? Part 1 — **CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE**

The Meriam-Webster dictionary defines “role model” as a person whose behavior is imitated by others. The entertainment media is constantly providing us with information about the so-called “stars” and role models - whether they are actors, musicians, singers, or other public figures. Often, we see children and youth emulating the dress and behavior of these “stars”. As Christians, we should have our own “stars” for our children – persons who are different, yet extraordinary role models. And, these “stars” must start at home. This week’s blog centers on the role models whom our children should have in their every-day lives.

When I found this image for this week’s blog, I was very impressed and happy. It says a tremendous amount in very few words, and I encourage you to take your time to read it and talk about it with your spouse and other family members. Please set aside some time to do so. As people who are not Christians look to the world’s “stars” to give them inspiration for living, we Christians must choose a different standard – one that glorifies God.

Teaching Kindness and Compassion To Our Children

Galatians 5:22-23 lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit that we should develop. In this fast paced world and with all the negative information on television and the internet, it is even more important that we cultivate kindness and compassion in our children.

What are kind acts? Jesus modeled kindness through such acts as healing the blind and eating with sinners. There are those acts that you can do in your neighborhood or community and those that you can do at home. One of the acts of kindness that I have done over the years is to help feed homeless persons, not only during the holidays, but also during other times of the year. Even when I travel, I try to spend time volunteering in some service capacity.

Once I was on a trip to attend a conference in a certain city and arranged for dinner with a friend who lived in that city. After he picked me up and we were driving to the restaurant, I expressed my concern about how many homeless people were in his city as I felt there were many more as compared to other places I had visited. My friend commented that I was the only person he knew who actually noticed homeless persons. I was shocked by his statement.

Parents can cultivate kindness by having their children volunteer to participate in many activities in their community. Cleanups in specific areas of town, mowing the lawn for an elderly neighbor, babysitting for a single parent – these are all acts of kindness and compassion.

At home, parents are role models as children imitate them. Parents should not expect their children to be kind if they are not. Acts of kindness and words of kindness should be a regular part of a family’s daily ritual. These include helping carry in bags of groceries; thanking each other for a thoughtful word or gesture; and assisting with a chore or a task.

As the poem in today’s blog states, kindness and compassion never fail, whether in our communities or in our homes. It is up to parents to nurture and develop those attributes in their children.