If your child is developing bad habits you may want to re-evaluate how you behave around your child. If you are a parent then you probably already know that children tend to repeat everything they hear. The same also goes for actions. Young children often imitate the actions and behavior of adults. They not only imitate the nice things you do and say but the not so nice things as well. If you don’t want your child to pick up bad habits then you should use caution in what you say and do around your child.

I’ve recently noticed that my young grandson has picked up the nasty habit of spitting. He seems to think of it as a game and it is proving a habit difficult to dissuade. Unfortunately many bad habits are difficult to break. That is why it is so important to keep bad habits from developing in the first place. Even though a child’s parents may be very aware of their behavior it doesn’t mean other people will take extra care in their words and actions.

Children are exposed to many people other than their parents. That includes family members, friends of the family, other children, neighbors, child care providers and more. We can’t be responsible for the actions of others or dictate how they should behave elsewhere but we can ask that they respect our wishes when in our homes. When friends or family members come to visit you can politely request that they do not use profanity, smoke, drink or behave in any manner you find offensive or inappropriate when your children are present.

Let them know that you appreciate their compliance and understanding. Let them also know that you want to do what you feel is best for your child and that you would respect their children and wishes in the same manner. You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or guilty about asking others to respect your wishes regarding behavior around your children. After all, doing so shows that you are concerned for the welfare of your child and that is what parenting is all about.

Friends and family members should understand your reasoning and not take offense. Most of them will be more than happy to comply and many may not have even realized that they have a bad habit that others notice. By bringing it to their attention in this manner they can and may take positive steps toward breaking their bad habits and setting a good example.

You should also talk to your child. The depth of the conversation will of course depend on the child’s age and level of understanding. Tell your child that the behavior in question is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. If the child is old enough to understand explain why the behavior is offensive and should not be done. The best way to keep our children from developing bad habits is to not do them ourselves however you cannot prevent children from eventually being exposed to the bad habits of others. Fortunately you can let your children know that they do not have to do as others do. Encourage them to be themselves and to express themselves in positive ways.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 at 5:50 am.