Thought of the Day: “Children learn more from how we behave than what we say.”

Children are watchers long before they become listenable listeners. Though parents and seniors spend more on teaching in the sense that they invest time in teaching by advice and directives, children absorb by stealth in the sense that they take in behaviour and mannerisms. From the stress reaction mechanisms displayed by adults, through the manner in which adults interact or address other people in their lives, the teachings draw invaluable lessons. The quote "Children learn more from what we do than from what we say" bears the weight that actions imprinted leave stronger impacts compared to speech.Actions will be the child’s first textbookChildren observe how their parents react to a situation, even when there is no lesson to be learned. If parents are able to act in a cool manner in trying situations or be patient in rush-hour traffic, or be kind when speaking to others, the child absorbs these behaviors as the norm. But anger or impatience communicates a different lesson. These are the behaviours which create a child's manual of operating instructions in life and which can be far more effective than verbal instructions. Emotions teach us Emotional intelligenceThe way adults show their emotions has a large part to play in the development of the child emotionally. If adults discuss their emotions openly with the children and control them effectively, the children will learn to control their emotions the same way. If adults don’t show their emotions or get angry easily, children will tend to act in the same way. Apologising for mistakes or showing sympathy will make children realise that emotions are easily handled and lead to well-balanced children.Respect is learned through observationChildren learn the virtue of being respectful by observation rather than through instructions from adults, because children learn by example rather than words. Using the magic word "please," refraining from interrupting, and acknowledging the presence of others, including those who have differing views, makes an indelible mark on children’s minds and instils discipline within them, which they learn at home and implement when they are out. Backing out and using the drug analogy helps children appreciate the importance of taking turns and following rules rather than selfish demands and dictates, which spread negativity and have detrimental effects, at least according to the author, whoConsistency builds trust and values "When kids see words and actions match, they will know they're safe and learn to trust." Mixing messages by telling children the importance of honesty when you're not being truthful with them can confuse kids. Acting in a consistent manner helps children learn important qualities such as integrity, kindness, and responsibility when they see you doing the same thing.Being a role model every day Parents don’t have to be perfect to qualify as good role models. Being aware and wanting to improve is all the child needs in a parent. It is in the simple activities of speaking, responding to stimuli, and treating oneself well that a child adopts the way of the world. Simply modeling the values we are teaching in the way we live the life affects more than if we simply spoke to the child.