Parents Are Role Models

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What is a Role Model?

A role model is someone a child aspires to be and therefore imitates. A parent can be a child’s role model by taking care of their own well-being.

Children need adults to look up to and parents that teach them healthy habits. If you create an atmosphere of healthy living in your family’s home, your children will be happier and healthier.

BEING A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Quit smoking and moderate your use of alcohol.

Hand washing: Be sure to wash your hands often, especially after you sneeze or cough and always before you cook or eat.

Demonstrate household safety:

  • Handling electric cords
  • Wearing protective gloves and goggles, face masks, and ear plugs when necessary
  • Handling sharp objects

Obey traffic laws:

  • Drive safely.
  • Teach your children how to be safe as a pedestrian.

Plan for emergencies:

  • Practice family fire drills.
  • Discuss family contact information in case of emergency.
  • Know emergency phone numbers such as 911 and poison control.
  • Talk about earthquake safety and family plans for handling other natural disasters.

Use negotiation and problem-solving skills at home and at work:

  • Encourage respect and openness among siblings and adults in your home.
  • Teach your children to express themselves clearly.
  • It is important for children to learn how to ask for what they want and need.

Local Resources

Ventura County Behavioral Health
Mental health & substance use treatment services
Countywide – All Ages
www.vcbh.org
Call Toll-free • Confidential • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Crisis and Referral Line
    1-866-998-2243 
  • Early Detection & Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis 
    1-866-998-2243

211 Ventura County
Free service connecting people to health and human services in the community
Countywide – All Ages
www.211ventura.org
Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211

Clinicas del Camino Real
Healthcare, including mental health services
Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura – All Ages
www.clinicas.org
(866) 885-7900

Interface
Support and resources, including youth shelter and housing referrals
Countywide – Children & Youth
icfs.org
(805) 485-6114

Kids & Families Together 
For children and their families, including kinship and foster caregivers
Countywide – Children & Youth
www.kidsandfamilies.org
(805) 643-1446

Logrando Bienestar
Mental health screenings 
Countywide – All Ages
www.vcbh.org
(805) 973-5220

Project Esperanza
Family classes & activities
Santa Paula & Fillmore – Youth
www.guadalupechurchsp.com
(805) 276-7671

United Parents
Local support and referrals for parents
Countywide – Youth
www.unitedparents.org
(805) 384-1555

Ventura County SELPA
Helping your child succeed at school
www.vcselpa.org
(805) 437-1560