Children Are What They Parents Are

There’s no doubt that the patterns of behavior that emerge in childhood are indicators of the adult personality that a child will have in future time. This perspective requires that we consider more seriously the impact that the child’s environment will have on the developing of the young mind and spirit.
Children are all the time attempting to understand the ways in which the world around them functions. Everything is foreign and new to them. They must, therefore, process information by categorizing details as they construct their perception of the world. In essence, every interaction and communication is processed by the child and given some meaning. The child looks for repetition in order to confirm general knowledge.
This is particularly important when considering the parents’ interactions with their children. Parents are the primary link between their children and the world. This is understandable, as it is the wish of every parent to help their child in a smooth, easy transition into society.
A young child, who has no prior knowledge or value system, comes to believe that what he or she absorbs from the environment is true and culturally acceptable.
Most adults do not realize the significance of their day-to-day interactions with young children. We tend to view things in the moment rather than evaluating the long-term effects of our words and actions.
Much of our behaviors as adults are influenced by our emotions and what is in our best interest for the moment. We need to take a closer look at what characteristics we ultimately wish to develop in our children and conscientiously act accordingly.
Parents should take into account the characteristics that they would like their children to develop and possess as an adult. They should carefully evaluate the way that their children behave and interact with others. Ask themselves if they are encouraging the characteristics that they desire or if they are facilitating the development of less positive patterns of behavior.
Our children behave precisely as we have trained them. It is our responsibility to help them develop positive patterns of behavior that will enable them to be competent, capable, contributing members of our society when they reach adulthood.