Do as I do: How Children Really Learn

Parental Behavior Impacts Children

We all know that as parents we have an impact on our children.  Children learn best by modeling. As parents we are modeling behaviors, attitudes and patterns to our children daily. If we blow up and begin to throw things when angry we are modeling how to inappropriately express anger.  When we engage in yelling and hurtful words we are modeling inappropriate communication skills. If we spend all of our time consumed on our needs we are modeling a "me first" mentality. 

Children are a product of their environment. What are the values and behavior that we desire for our children?  That question should guide us to look at what we are modeling for them.  Just as we need to be taught new skills, so do our children.  It is through daily modeling that character will be built, attitudes will be learned and behaviors will become habit. 

Be mindful about your parenting.  Be aware of your words and actions when with your child.  What are you conveying to them about who they are, what is important and how to be in the world? Use these questions to help guide what you model as a parent and parenter.  The lessons that are learned deeply are the lessons that our parents "live out" in their lives before us.