If you’ve ever told your child, “You can be anything,” but haven’t given yourself that same permission… this is for you.
"Children begin to thrive the moment they see their parents do it first—because nothing teaches courage, joy, and self-worth like watching someone you love live it out loud."
We all want our kids to be confident, resilient, and brave. We invest in the best schools, research extracurriculars, and worry about their emotional health like it’s a full-time job. But here’s a truth we don’t talk about enough: our kids learn how to thrive by watching us do it first.
Not by what we say.
Not by what we hope.
But by what we live.
The Power of Parental Modeling
A 2021 study from the University of Michigan found that children who observed their parents engaging in self-care, healthy risk-taking, and boundary-setting were significantly more likely to exhibit higher self-esteem and emotional regulation.
In simpler terms: when you take care of your own needs, pursue your goals, and speak kindly to yourself—you’re not being selfish. You’re being a teacher.
According to the CDC’s Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, children who grow up in homes where emotional safety, self-expression, and healthy coping are modeled have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic health issues later in life.
So the real question is:
Are we showing our kids what thriving looks like?
Why It Matters More Than Ever
In a culture flooded with comparison, unrealistic expectations, and burnout, our kids don’t just need lectures. They need living proof that thriving is possible. That joy is allowed. That being imperfect doesn’t make you unworthy.
If we’re constantly stressed, exhausted, and stuck in survival mode, our kids internalize that adulthood means losing yourself.
But when they see us…
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Start over without shame
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Speak up without fear
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Rest without guilt
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Dream without apology
…they realize they can too.
So, What Does “Thriving” Look Like?
It doesn’t have to mean quitting your job or moving across the country.
It can be as simple as:
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Wearing the clothes that make you feel good
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Pursuing that hobby you said you “didn’t have time for”
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Speaking up at work when something doesn’t feel right
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Going to therapy and talking about it openly
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Letting your child see you struggle—and also recover
Every time you choose yourself, you give your child permission to do the same.
Take one small action this week that makes you feel more alive—then tell your child why you did it. Let them see your joy. Your growth. Your bravery. Let them know it’s safe to be fully themselves because you’re showing them how it’s done.
Because thriving isn’t taught. It’s witnessed.
#BeTheExample #ParentingWithPurpose #BreakTheCycle #RaiseBraveKids #EmotionalWellness #SelfCareIsParenting #LionAndOwl #LiveOutLoud #ParentingMatters #WatchMeThrive