Being parents automatically makes us role models. We too have a secret hero or adulation for a person whom we look upon. Emulating their style or values becomes important for us. But for kids, whatever they see is deemed as correct behavior. Passing bad habits is also a form of developing negative traits in children. Surely no parent would like to see this but what is habitual for us becomes a great interest for the kids.
If we are in a habit to speak loudly on the phone or hurl abuses at the delivery boy who delivered the pizza late then this behavior is well absorbed by the child who is stacking his or her blocks. Their ears are constant working and they imbibe these trait. Try sending them logic or clarification and they will use the same tone and justify their act, ‘U did this that day’.
The best way to avoid or rectifying this behavior is slowly changing youself. If you think you have committed a mistake by yelling or using a high volume of the speaker, then before it is too late, apologize. Saying sorry means to teach the little ones about valuing others happiness. They are very flexible and learn or grasp tendencies very well. We also use certain negative words at times to spell our frustration and this is no sin but the onlooker (the baby girl who is yet to speak) feels that this is a normal response.
In case our child is not able to sit in a place or fidgets constantly with their thumbs, then let us look at our selves and get rid of our doodling habit. There are so many habits like speaking with our mouths full, using slang’s or hyperventilating unnecessary which is picked by children. We need to get mature in these habits and it is still easy to learn as we grow. Cultivating responsibility is another trait we need to show them.
Passing bad habits through bad parenting behavior can be like leaving the trash undisposed, not flushing the toilet well or other unhygienic habits. The result is immediate and the child gets into a habit of being unclean. Passing the buck especially while offering excuses in chores is another way of passing habits to our kids.