The M3 in RPM3 describes three complex, but central principles of parenting: monitoring, mentoring, and modeling. Many people are confused by these words because they seem similar, but they are really very different. It might be easier to understand these ideas if you think of them this way:
- Being a monitor means that you pay careful attention to your child and his or her surroundings, especially his or her groups of friends and peers at school.
- Being a mentor means that you actively help your child learn more about himself or herself, how the world works, and his or her role in that world. As a mentor, you will also support your child as he or she learns.
- Being a model means that you use your own words and actions as examples that show your beliefs, values, and attitudes in action for your child on a daily basis.
