Title: Healthy Self-identity in Children is Everything | Psychology Today
Headings: Healthy Self-identity in Children is Everything
Jim Taylor Ph.D.
Healthy Self-identity in Children is Everything
Is today's media preventing their development?

Content: For much of your children’s early lives, you are their most important influence. They initially look to you to decide who they should be, what they should value, and what they should do. “ Do as I say, not as I do” just doesn’t cut it when it comes to parenting. You need to make sure that you’re living the healthy life that you want them to lead. Whether it’s the people with whom you interact, the activities in which you’re involved, what you talk about, or what you eat or drink, your self-identity, as expressed through how you live your life, will dictate to a large extent your children’s self-identity. Create a Healthy Family Lifestyle
Your children will base much of their self-identity on their most immediate environment. If your family life is informed by healthy values, choices, activities, and relationships, they are more likely to internalize those messages as their own. Surround Your Children With Healthy People
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You can surround your children with healthy people in their immediate social world who support everything that goes into the development of a positive self-identity. These healthy messages will not only prime your children to think, feel, and behave in beneficial ways, but they will also provide consistent exposure to contrasting healthy perspectives that can mitigate the influence from media. Talk and Listen to Your Children
Your children have a tremendous capacity to communicate with you about what is happening in their lives, both good and not so good.