How to be the role model you wish you had…..
for yourself and your children
Life after separation is full of changes — some expected, others completely overwhelming. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of it all, focusing on the practical to-do lists, the co-parenting schedules, and the emotional weight of it all. But in the midst of it, there’s something incredibly powerful you might not even realise you’re doing.
💡 You’re showing your children what strength, resilience, and
self-love look like.
Whether you realise it or not, your kids are watching you. They see how you handle challenges, how you speak about yourself, and how you show up for your life. And the best part? You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be real, intentional, and kind to yourself.
So, how do you step into being the role model you wish you had? It starts with small, intentional actions — for yourself, and for them.
1. Show Yourself the Kindness You Want Them to Learn
We teach our kids to be kind to others, but how often do we show them what it means to be kind to ourselves?
✨ Try this:
Speak about yourself the way you want your children to speak about themselves. Instead of, “I’m terrible at this,” try, “I’m still learning, and that’s okay.”
Model self-care by prioritising moments of rest, joy, and nourishment.
Why it matters: When kids see you treating yourself with love and compassion, they learn to do the same for themselves.
2. Embrace Imperfection and Keep Moving Forward
Your children don’t need to see a perfect parent — they need to see a human one.
✨ Try this:
When you make a mistake, own it. Saying, “I got frustrated, and I’m sorry,” teaches them that it’s okay to be imperfect.
Show them that setbacks don’t define you by demonstrating resilience. If something doesn’t go as planned, let them see you try again.
Why it matters: When children see you navigate life’s ups and downs with honesty, they learn that failure isn’t the end — it’s part of growth.
3. Teach Boundaries by Having Your Own
Want your kids to grow up knowing their worth? Show them what that looks like by setting (and enforcing) your own boundaries.
✨ Try this:
Say no when something doesn’t serve you. Let them hear you say, “I can’t take that on right now, but thank you.”
Prioritise self-care without guilt. Instead of saying, “I don’t have time,” let them hear, “I’m going to take a break because I need it.”
Why it matters: Kids who see their parents set healthy boundaries grow up with a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence in their own limits.
4. Prioritise Growth and Learning
Your children don’t expect you to have all the answers, but they’ll benefit from seeing you seek them out.
✨ Try this:
Learn something new — and let them see you enjoy the process.
Read, take a course, or invest in your own personal growth. Let them see that learning never stops.
Why it matters: When kids see you embracing growth, they’ll know they have permission to do the same in their own lives.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection
Sometimes, we wait for big milestones before we feel proud of ourselves. But confidence is built in the small wins.
✨ Try this:
Acknowledge your own progress. Say, “I handled that tough conversation really well today.”
Celebrate their small wins too — not just the big ones.
Why it matters: Kids learn confidence from seeing it modelled in everyday life. They need to see that success isn’t just about getting everything right — it’s about growth and persistence.
6. Show Them That Change is an Opportunity, Not an End
Separation is a big change, but it’s not the end of your story — it’s the start of a new one.
✨ Try this:
Talk about your future in a hopeful way. “I’m excited to see where life takes us next.”
Let them see you taking steps toward creating a life you love.
Why it matters: Kids who grow up seeing their parents embrace change with confidence learn that life’s transitions can be filled with possibility.
7. Lead with Love — for Yourself and for Them
At the end of the day, being a role model isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing your children what love — for yourself and for them — really looks like.
✨ Try this:
Model self-compassion by giving yourself grace on hard days.
Remind them that they are loved, no matter what — and remind yourself of the same.
Why it matters: When love is at the centre of how we treat ourselves and others, we create a foundation of strength that our children will carry with them for life.
Final Thoughts
Being a role model isn’t about grand gestures or having all the answers. It’s in the small, daily choices that show your children what self-worth, strength, and kindness look like.
You are already shaping their future in ways you may not even realise. And in the process, you are stepping into your own power, resilience, and confidence.
So today, ask yourself: What’s one small way you can show up as the role model you wish you had? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear from you! 💕
#empoweredliving #strongwomenstrongfamilies #selflovejourney #mindfulparenting #holistichealing #confidenceboost