Parents serve as their children’s first role models. Parent’s are the first people to teach their kids life skills and serve as an example for how they should treat others and expect to be treated by others. As little kids who will one day grow up and turn into adults with relationships of their own, it is important that you and your partner serve as role models for good relationships.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to be perfect, but it does mean that you should try your hardest to be a good partner. Here are 5 simple ways that you and your partner can be relationship role models for the sake of your children and for the benefit of your partnership.
1. Teach Them That Relationships Should Be Fun
It’s no secret that relationships require hard work to stay healthy and functioning. That doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t also be fun. Show your children that, at the center of every relationship, is a happy, loving couple. Let them see you being playful, happy, and silly with one another. It is important that your kids understand that happiness and love are fundamental to a good life and a good marriage.
2. Show Them What Apologies Look Like
No one is perfect, mistakes happen in life and in relationships. When you or your partner make a mistake, make sure you apologize the right way. Less, “I’m sorry you feel that way” and more “I’m sorry I’ve made you feel that way.” This can benefit your kids when it comes to non-romantic relationships as well. With you, with their friends, with their siblings. Teach them that real apologies are always meaningful and always come from the heart.
3. Be Open With Expressions of Love
Growing up, my parents never shied away from showing us how much they loved each other. We often saw them hugging, holding hands, and cuddling, the same way we often heard them exchanging “I love you’s.” We all know how important it is to always make sure that your kids know how much you love them. After years of marriage and years of slipping into not-always-exciting routines, doing the same with your husband may not be as regular as it used to be. Encourage yourself and your husband to be open with your love in ways that go past the simple gestures you’re used to.
4. Let Them See Real Teamwork
Raising kids requires teamwork. Sometimes this teamwork is exhibited in an equal sharing of all responsibilities and sometimes one partner has to pick up the slack a little bit. Both of these things are valid and necessary. Whether it’s making dinner together or working on a household project, make sure your kids understand that you do what you do for the betterment of one another as well as them.
5. Show Them How To Handle Hard Times
Just like life, just like raising your children, your marriage isn’t always easy. Over time, things can get strained by all kinds of things. This isn’t anything you should be ashamed of. Show your children that there is always a light through the end of the tunnel. With hard work and tons of faith, anyone can get through the hard times with grace and come out beautifully on the other side.