The world is full of bad role models for kids. Make sure your behavior sets a good example for the students you work with.

Kids look up to the adults in their lives. They look to us for protection, answers, and guidance. They also look to us for cues on how to act in everyday situations. Make sure you're leading by example with these ten reminders.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Kids should see you taking care of yourself. Model wise food choices as well as a commitment to exercise. Avoiding negative comments about your body (or anyone else's, for that matter) will project a sense of body confidence that can influence how kids feel about their own bodies. And obviously, kids should never see you participate in or talk about any experiences with drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

Model a Love of Learning

Kids' value systems are impacted by their interactions with adults. A positive attitude about education and learning on your part can foster similar attitudes in your students. Make sure they know that you believe education is important and worthy, and show them examples of how you continue to learn, as well.

Keep a Positive Attitude

Negativity is contagious. By keeping a can-do attitude even when things get difficult, you model for your kids the power of positive thinking.

Take Responsibility for Yourself

Don't blame your problems on external factors or other people. When you make a mistake, admit it, and work on fixing it. Kids see too many "role models" in the media who can't take responsibility for what they do wrong. Show them a better option.

Use Good Problem Solving Skills

When dealing with a problem, handle it maturely. Kids watch how you respond to difficult situations, and they take their cues from what they see. They also imitate emotional intensity levels, so keep stress to a minimum by responding to tough times in a calm fashion.

Show Kindness and Respect

Kids will notice how you treat other people. Don't use derogatory names or terms, even in fun. That kind of behavior gives kids the idea that it's okay to disrespect others. Go out of your way to model helpful and kind behavior, especially to the elderly, disabled, or others who may need it.

Behave ethically

We all have expectations for kid's behavior. Make sure you're holding yourself to the same standard. In your everyday actions, are you honest, fair, compassionate, and tolerant? If not, make a conscious decision to show your kids something better.

Model Good Coping Skills

Let kids see you engaging in positive examples of stress relief. Show them how you might shoot hoops to let off steam, or take a walk when you need a break. Help them uncover the stress relievers that will work for them.

Be Reliable

Be someone kids can count on. Unfortunately, many kids have experienced being let down by adults. Don't be one of them. If you say you'll do something, do it. No excuses. You'll earn respect and admiration.

Model Service to Others

Find ways to contribute to society, whether its helping out at a soup kitchen or participating in a walkathon for a specific charity. Share your experiences with your kids. Make sure they know why a particular cause is important to you, as well as how good it makes you feel to give back. Inspire your teens to search out a cause that they believe in and get involved, too.

For more on working with kids, check out Avoiding Gender Bias and Building Trust with Teens.