Are Children Really The Reflection of Their Parents?
You might worry over the saying “children are the reflection of their parents.”
After all, your children are like sponges: they absorb everything they see and hear. As such, it’s important that everything that happens at home benefits their upbringing and behavior.
Being a parent is a real challenge, since you not only have to manage your time well, but you also have to be consistent with what you say and do. Your children are always observing and mimicking your actions, even if you don’t notice.
Yes, children want to be like their parents. As such, setting a good example is key to teaching them values and principles. Children being a reflection of their parents worries many people.
Subconsciously, your children imitate your gestures, actions, way of speaking, and even the way you interact with others. This comes from the simple fact that there’s an emotional bond between you.
So, if children are the reflections of their parents—how can we go about it well?
1. Create an atmosphere of trust and open communication in your home
Communication is critical in a family. It creates an atmosphere of trust that fosters values and security at home which forms unbreakable bonds between family members.
2. Live a healthy lifestyle
You already know that children are their parents’ reflections. As such, if you want your children to follow a healthy lifestyle, it has to start with you. If you want your children to exercise and eat vegetables, set an example by showing how it’s a good thing.
As the saying goes, one example is worth more than a thousand words. Apply this to your daily life. Don’t preach every day about why they should do this and that—do it with them.
3. Avoid yelling
We know how hard it is to fulfil your role. Always staying patient is quite the challenge. However, when you’re stressed or in despair, avoid yelling at your children or any family members.
If you do, your children will think it’s acceptable behavior. Then, the moment that they do the same, you won’t be able to respond when they tell you that “you do it, too.”
See also: Mistakes Parents Make When Their Children Disobey Them
4. Encourage honesty
If you don’t want your children to lie, then you can’t either. Don’t make excuses; keep your promises.
This will not only foster honesty in them, but they will also learn to take responsibility for their words.
5. Avoid violence
Unfortunately, bad habits are what children learn the fastest. Don’t use violence as a teaching method.
If they do something they shouldn’t, explain that what they did was not all right. If you avoid hitting your children, they’re less likely to grow up to be aggressive. What’s more, you’ll be teaching them how to deal with conflict without resorting to violence.
If you encourage communication as a way to solve problems, you’ll be raising a tolerant person who is able to see things from different perspectives.
6. Respect and be respected
Treat those around you well. Avoid judging or labeling them. Doing so will teach your children to see the value in others and how good relationships are created through respect.
When your kids talk back to you, play your role, and remind them that it’s no way to talk to you or treat you. Raise them the best way possible. The relationship you’re building over time should be based on trust and respect. Be sure to build it together.
7. Fight for what you want
Being a mother doesn’t mean giving up your dreams and aspirations. We know that the road is hard, but it’s not impossible.
Be strong every day to accomplish what you want. Not only will it be fulfilling to you as a woman, but you’ll also be an example of strength and dedication for your whole family.
8. Be happy
Surely, nothing makes you happier than having your kids by your side. Make sure to show them that they make you very happy by hugging them, pampering them, and telling them how much you love them. Enjoy your moments together and tell them how lucky you feel to have them.
When you give out love, you get love back. Your children will return all the hugs, kisses, and pampering you give them with all of their heart. Not only will you be happy, you’ll all be happy together which is even better.
9. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
You’re bound to make mistakes sometimes. Still, it doesn’t mean that you’ve failed, provided that you correct your errors. Your kids will see your courage in being able to recognize your mistakes, learn, and move on which they’ll also emulate.
Conclusion
Yes, children are their parents’ reflections… so be their mirror so they can look at themselves and be proud of what they see.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Educrea. [Internet]. Educar en valores es preparar para la vida. Disponible en: https://educrea.cl/educar-en-valores-es-preparar-para-la-vida/
- El teu espai. [Internet]. 5 razones para dejar de gritar a tus hijos y 10 claves para conseguirlo. Disponible en: https://www.psicologosantacoloma.es/razones-para-dejar-de-gritar-a-tus-hijos/
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu. [Internet]. Cómo ayudar a nuestros hijos en su educación psicológica y emocional. 2017. Disponible en: https://faros.hsjdbcn.org/es/articulo/como-ayudar-nuestros-hijos-su-educacion-psicologica-emocional
