Children Learn Best by Observing Behavior of
Adults

It really is true; children learn best by observing behavior of adults. While children will always have their own personality and emotions, they are constantly influenced by their environment. To ensure you provide them with the best start, it pays to consider how your own behaviors affect theirs.

Set a positive example!

Parents set examples for their children. Not only do kids look to their parents to learn the appropriate reactions in dire situations, they tend to absorb the energy and personality of their sole providers. If you expel negativity in stressful or worrisome times, your behavior is bound to influence your child. Here's a deeper look at how common parenting traits affect the well-being and emotional growth of children.

From their first day of birth, children need to be nurtured and to be protected by their parents. When communication other than eye contact is impossible, observation is the only way infants learn and adapt to their surroundings. When a small baby is rocked and held, feelings of happiness and love are present. When a baby is left to cry and panic, his anxiety and fear peaks to an ultimate high. During these moments, babies look to their parents to provide the calming and soothing environment they crave. For this reason, many parents consider attachment parenting techniques. As babies grow and mature, young children learn best by observing behavior of adults in the home.

• Effort and Commitment: Do you want to be his role model? Teach him that anything is possible with commitment and effort. It's wonderful to set family or personal goals and demonstrate how to reach them. If you want to change the family eating habits, sit down and draw up the goals with your children. Go over healthy living choices and make commitments. Kids love challenges, and seeing their parents excel at goals helps them feel confident enough to take their own risks.
• Love and Balance: Are you a lover? A nurturer? Do you have a caring heart? These traits are always absorbed by children, so make sure you extend compassion and love liberally in the family home. Teach kids the importance of caring for animals and donating to worthy causes. When kids are raised with a compassionate heart, they are more likely to grow up with confidence and respect for others.
• Arguing: Most parents and spouses have had the occasional spat in front of their kids without considering how their kids may perceive the argument. Tension in family homes makes everyone uncomfortable, including teenagers and newborn babies. While arguing is natural and at times unavoidable, you should always make sure you kiss and make up with your partner in front of your children to ensure their feelings of safety and peace. Since children learn best by observing behavior of adults, if you are constantly arguing with your partner, chances are your child will bring these negative traits into her own relationships. If arguments in the home escalate to a physical form such as domestic or child abuse, it's crucial you remove yourself and your child from the home and seek a healthy living arrangement. If you are the abuser, recognize your tendencies and seek immediate help or surrender child custody.
• Money Management: Money management is another important trait that affects children. No matter your income level, parents should avoid phrases such as "we can't afford it," or "we're broke." Money makes every child feel secure and ensures that basic needs will be met. If you can't afford an expensive toy or his favorite box of cereal, rephrase your comment along the lines of , "Sorry, it's not in the budget this week. We save money so we have money when we need it." Parents who teach kids the value of a dollar are more likely to raise children with healthy work and financial ethics.
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse: If you have an alcohol or drug dependency, it is crucial you seek treatment as soon as possible. Children are influenced by drugs in the family home, and substance abuse carries many risks. Children of parents who were drug or alcohol abusers are always more likely to succumb to the addiction. If you are unable to treat your condition while maintaining child custody, seek the help of family members for support and guidance.

While there are many parental challenges, the blessings always outweigh the rough times. Try to relax and enjoy your parenting years. Think before speaking and acting to ensure your reactions and words influence him in a positive rather than negative way. Use your best judgment, ensure child safety and trust your parenting instincts. With love and respect as the most influential trait in the home, you can rest assured that everything else will come naturally.

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