Children can be compared to sponges and mirrors. They take in and reflect what they see and hear.
According to the Urban Child Institute, "In addition to sharing genetic similarities with parents, they reflect the gestures, language, and interests of the adults in their lives. You'll notice your child holding a crayon just like Dad holds his pen or using a phrase Grandma says often. The behavior and habits children are exposed to at an early age can become behaviors and habits they carry into adulthood."
Kids remember a lot from their parents. Some of these include the times their parents made them feel safe or unsafe, times they were given undivided attention, interactions between spouses, words of criticism and affirmation and traditions.
Parents often push their kids to be a certain way and do things they like or did. For example, a little boy may not like piano lessons and neither did his father, so he let the little boy quit. However, this same little boy hated being dragged to his football practices, yet his dad constantly talked about the importance of teamwork, exercising, etc. Did it really matter what this little boy wanted or just what his parent wanted?
Parents often don't realize how much their words and actions can affect children from a young age. Have you ever looked back and realized how similar you are to your parents? I know a lot of my friends copycat their parents and others have learned from their parents the actions they don't want to repeat as a person or with their future families. What have you learned from your parents? How has it shaped you? How will it affect your future family?
Mike Julianelle writes for NYC Dads Group that, "Sometimes he'll end up reflecting the everyday behavior you don't even consider: the way you act toward your neighbors; the things you say when you're not censoring yourself; the tone of voice you use with your spouse. We're the stars of our kids' lives, and it's not long before they start emulating their idols."
