Parental Influence
Your influence begins the moment your child is born. He needs to learn how to live and function in our complex world -- he begins this education by observing you, according to the University of Nebraska Extension Family Living Department. Your child learns more from what you do than what you say, so when a choice in behavior must be made, your child is more likely to choose what you do than what you say. You influence your child’s moral character, faith and perspective on people and the world.
Celebrity Influence
As your child matures and becomes more aware of the world around her, she might choose celebrities as role models, including athletes, performers and political personalities. Those people have no responsibility for your child, and might have little concern about the example they set. Youth and teens can imitate these celebrities in behavior, attitude and character. A 2013 study by the Barna Group, a California-based research organization that explores the intersection of religion and culture, found that a majority of people in the U.S. say they believe that professional athletes have a more significant influence than religious leaders. The study notes that athletes who talk about their faith can positively influence others for Christianity.
Celebrities
Children, and especially teens, frequently look to celebrities for fashion cues, including clothing, hairstyle and makeup choices. Kids might fixate on a favorite celebrity or two, trying to emulate their look or lifestyle decisions, according to a 2002 article in "Psychology Today." Others might assume a general star-struck attitude, perusing celebrity magazines for ideas about preferred brands, behavioral idiosyncrasies or fitness tips.
Parents
Some teens resist being characterized as influenced by celebrity culture, naming their parents as prime factors in their worldview, according to a 2007 article on Howard University's website. Children might be impressed by a parent’s work ethic, sense of family responsibility or creative endeavors. Celebrity saturation could result in children and teens feeling repelled by the materialism, superficiality or privilege sometimes portrayed in media coverage. Although celebrities might appear sophisticated and glamorous, the morals and life values of parents might have a deeper effect on teens looking for meaning and identity as they develop. America’s Promise.org states that higher parental involvement can positively influence health choices and school success.
