Your Children Are Copying You
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Children are always paying attention to the world around them. They watch their parents, siblings, and caregivers and imitate them. While we know that children will not be exactly like their parents, a parent's imprint lasts a lifetime.
A research study that included 3-year-olds showed that children learned habits and language from their parents and caregivers. Albert Bandura, a renowned psychologist, called this modeling. He stated that people, especially children, learn by copying the behaviors of those around them.
Why Do Children Copy You?
A developmental psychologist at the University of Zurich, Moritz Daum, has highlighted two reasons children copy their parents. Here are the reasons;
- - The primary reason is learning: children are like sponges; they absorb everything from their environment. Copying increases their knowledge, awareness, social skills, and behavior.
- - Copying creates a sense of belonging. It helps a child to identify as part of a family or community.
When Do Children Start Copying You?
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A child will start copying you from birth. They will reach out their arms when you pick them up. They will smile when you do and stick out their tongues if you do. By six months, they start to understand intentional behavior.
Children do not know if what they are imitating is appropriate or not.
What Does the Bible Say?
Paul urged the people of Corinth in the book of 1st Corinthians 11:1 to imitate him as he imitates Christ. He gave a template for parents to follow.
Peter Tan Chi wrote in his book "Motivate" that one of the keys to biblical parenting is modeling. Parents should model Christ-like behavior to their children. He mentioned that he has realized that children do what you do, not what you say, in his many years of parenting.
Some key behavior you can model in your children include; Christ-like behavior. love, humility, patience, forgiveness, kindness, faithfulness, self-control, politeness, healthy habits, proper use of media and gadgets, healthy eating, exercise, sleep, proper work ethics, importance of having fun.
Final Word
Your Children are copying you. Does your life reflect what you wish for your child? One of the basics of parenting is first working on your behavior, and your children will follow. Ask God to help you be a good role model to your children.
