This week, my oldest daughter Atlantis has been visiting us in Germany from the United States. We have gotten to do some touring around, and visiting different cities and attractions. Having both of my children together after so much time apart warms my heart.
As a mother, seeing the relationship that my girls have with each other is priceless. Little River looks up to her big sister Atlantis, and I hope that she can learn from her and find a good role model for the future in her big sister.
Since I have been focused on my kids this week, I have been thinking a lot about parenting in general. I didn’t have the greatest upbringing myself, and I hope to do better with my own girls.
As parents, it is important to focus on our parenting styles, and modeling good behavior for our children.
Are Parents Responsible for Children's Behavior?
We are our children’s first teachers, and their most important role models to learn about life. For our children’s first few years, we are their biggest influence. It is important to remember that we aren’t just teaching them skills, we are also teaching them how to interact with others.
It is important to model kindness in our interactions with others, so that our children will learn proper social behaviors from us. The way we treat others is something that our kids are constantly watching, and it is important to teach them to treat everyone with kindness, dignity and respect. When we do this, our kids can grow up to be compassionate adults as well.
Unfortunately, not all children have a great upbringing.
When did you realize that your parents were bad at parenting?
Homeschool Children and Religious Abuse
Many children grow up with narcissistic, domineering or abusive parents. This can damage their psyche far into adulthood. When children are victims of abuse as children, this can shape the way they learn about and interact with the world. It can cause them to be fearful, and they don’t learn how to stand up for themselves and set boundaries.
Children who grow up in this type of homes - the way I and many others did - can even have psychiatric diagnoses like PTSD later in life from the results of childhood abuse. It is important, because of this, to be aware of signs that a child is being abused so we will know what to do if they come to us as trusted adults in order to help.
The more we can educate ourselves about this type of issues, and advocate for all children to have a safe and healthy upbringing, the more positive change we can make in the world. I hope that in the future we can create a world where all children are safe and well cared for!
This week, be mindful of your own parenting. And, if you see other parents who are struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out a hand to help.
With love,
Nicole Dake