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Family InfluenceTeaching your children values through example from their parentsEven babies learn through example. Their habits and characteristics are formed through what they regularly see and hear from their parents, brothers and sisters.
Right from the time that babies are born, they are learning. Everything that you do becomes an example to them to learn and develop. From expressions to covering their mouth when they cough; from watching a lot of TV to playing soccer. Everything is absorbed into their minds as they sit and watch you go through your day. The information gets continuously soaked in. Without even trying they will be learning how to speak, how to hold a pencil correctly, how to eat from a spoon and even how to put their shoes in the corner of the room when they take them off. Older brothers and sisters are particularly influential on the development of a small baby as the baby quickly identifies with the age connection between themselves and their siblings and feels inclined to mimic their actions. Often toddlers are thrilled to put on a jacket and a backpack just to feel like they are going off to school, just like big sister does everyday! This makes you realise how important it is for the older child to set a good example. But where does the older child get their example from when they had no older brother or sister to copy from themselves? Mum and Dad. To the first child, their parents are their greatest example for character and habits. If your child has been brought up with respect and patience, that will be the way in which she treats her younger brothers and sisters. Also the encouragement that you have given your child is more likely to carry through in them in being helpful and encouraging to their younger siblings as they grow. No one is perfect and often the older child can feel the pressure of being expected to do everything correctly for the sake of being a good example. But, bearing in mind that they have been learning from you, it warrants you to cut them some slack sometimes when they slip up. Positive things that you enjoy can be of great importance in helping your own child develop, so don’t be tempted to leave the little ones with the baby sitter while you go the Art Gallery or the Home and Leisure exhibition. Let your child enjoy these things with you and in so doing, you will not only be developing your child’s mind, but you will also be developing one of the greatest family values: doing things together. For comments on this article please feel free to email the author - quote the article title in the subject line.
The copyright of the article Family Influence in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Evangelia Zonnios. Permission to republish Family Influence in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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