What makes a teenager look to another as a potential role model? When I was a teen, my role models were celebrities and writers and I don’t think that has changed too much for today’s young people. When we look at the qualities of a role model we can see why some positive role models have earnt the respect and support of others.
Role models come into young people’s lives in a variety of ways. They are educators, authors, civic leaders, mothers, fathers, celebrities, peers, and ordinary people encountered in everyday life. But what makes them effective role models? What are the qualities of a role model that appeal to teenagers?
I have asked a number of teenagers what it is that makes a good role model and below are the responses. In my list of over 55 role models, there are a number of characteristics that stand out. It is these important traits that set these people apart from others and invite them to become the best role models. They have high standards, are often good leaders and are clear with their own values. These qualities are to be celebrated and they are desired characteristics for many.
What are the qualities of a role model?
So, how can parents and other significant adults be positive role models? From reading and learning about successful people and what it takes to be a role model I have found that it is far simpler to understand than you may have first thought. Having a positive attitude matters as does role modelling the personality traits of existing role models. The qualities of a role model can be seen all around us.
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Here are seven key traits or positive qualities that we can witness in your child’s role models.
Kindness
Being kind is of benefit to many people. Not only does it support you in being a positive influence on your children in a good way, but it will also offer others a reason to smile or a glimmer of hope. Times are tough right now, and someone else’s kind gestures can mean a lot. Supporting good causes by taking part in charity events or donating to the local food bank reflect a kind personality and we can model this behaviour to young children. and provide a positive example to others
Though the recent be kind movement had positive intentions, with countless social media users choosing to utilise the slogan as a hashtag or a motto, many demonstrated hypocrisy by launching keyboard attacks on others at the same time. Kindness must not simply be an add-on to one’s personality but a constant character trait.
Hard Work
When our children are in full-time education at school or college, we often tell them that we don’t mind if they don’t get top grades as long as they work hard. However, if we do not show the same level of commitment, it is impossible to be a great role model. Hard work can be modelled through your career or things outside of work, such as running a home, being a carer for elderly relatives or perhaps a voluntary role. Being a hardworking individual does not go unnoticed and is the sign of a true role model.
Many of today’s role models for teenagers are not celebrities, they look up to entrepreneurs like the founder of gym shark or other teenage businesses. It is those people that step outside of the box and take risks and do things that are unexpected.
Communication
Effective communication is an essential part of becoming a positive role model. Not only should you be able to speak well to get your points across, but you should also be a good listener. The latter part is particularly important, showing that you care about other people’s opinions, too. Good communication means letting young people feel as though they are valued. Having a say within the family is essential for all children, regardless of their age.
Resilience
Parenting is arguably the toughest gig of your life. There is no rule book and making decisions can be tricky. As a parent, you will make mistakes, but showing resilience and perseverance are essential, we are constant learners. During the teenage years especially, you will find yourself on the receiving end of challenging behaviour, largely as a result of hormones, and being calm, patient and resilient will show your children that you are a good role model (even if they do not necessarily realise it at the time).
Challenge
When someone says something controversial to us about someone or something else, it can sometimes feel easier to ignore and move the subject on. However, challenging someone’s opinions, whether they be racist, homophobic, misogynistic or simply rude, demonstrates that you are unwilling to accept unwarranted and bigoted slurs against others. It should not be a difficult decision to make. When someone cannot stand up for themselves, you are setting a good example and doing the right thing by not letting it slide.
Challenge the misconceptions. Challenge the language. Challenge the injustice. Of course, doing so in a polite and mature way is imperative, too, despite how it might make us feel. This is surely a key characteristic seen in the qualities of a role model.
Ability to Overcome Obstacles
Many role models have overcome negative impacts or hardships. They have shown their own personal growth in times of challenge and this inspires young adults that they too will do the same. It is often in our weakest moments that our strengths shine. Many of the role models in my list have overcome personal challenges or had to step outside their comfort zones and it is why others look up to them for strength.
Passion and Ability to Inspire
Another quality of being a role model is being a thought leader. It might be someone who has challenged injustice or gone against the grain. The qualities of role models stand out. These role models do not just accept things, they speak out about their passions and what matters to them.
Commitment to Community
These qualities of a role model can be seen in many people around us and they are a great example of how we should strive to be. I model these behaviours so that my kids can see them and I share stories and books with my teenage daughter. Role models are important for all of us and they can teach us to be better people. Get active in your community be the change and make a difference.
No-one gets it right all the time but social change can and will happen if we all aim to be role models to the rest of our community. We might not have books written about us and our achievements may not be well known, but as parents, we are also important role models for our children and the young adults in our community we can be the difference and the kind of people others look up to. We just need to be brave and share our positive values and live a truly authentic life where we inspire others.
