Child Is A Worrier: What To Do

The Quote “Children are Great Imitators, So Give Them Something Worth Imitating” couldn’t be more true.

Behaviour Analysts Highlight That Children Observe & Take Everything In.

Studies from the field of Behaviour Analysis show that children are great imitators of our responses & reactions.

For example, if a parent is anxious about many different situations, then a child observes this & it registers with them that “There’s a lot of things to worry about in life & I might not be able to handle them” & so they then imitate this same response to situations in their own life.

However, on the other hand, Behaviour Therapists point out that if parents stay calm & appear confident in situations, then the child observes this & it registers with them that “Whatever the situation, no matter how difficult, I’ll handle it“, & they then imitate this much more positive response to situations in their life.

This can be applied to a lot of different areas of child behaviour.

Some Examples From A Child Therapist Of Areas Of Behaviour That Parents Can Set A Positive Example:

• Letting Your Child See You Sharing
• Being a Good Loser
• Being a Team Player In Your Own Life
• Managing Anger Rather Than Resorting To Tantrums
• Including Others
• Getting On With The People You Encounter In Your Own Life – Which Will Lessen The Chance Of Sibling Rivalry If Your Child Imitates This As They Will Be Better Equipped To Get On Well With Each Other
• Being Kind/Thoughtful
• Seeking Connection In Positive More Appropriate Ways Rather Than Through Negative Attention-Seeking Ways
• & Other More Appropriate Responses To Other Behaviour Challenges

The take-home message is, that whatever qualities you want to see in your child, then display them in your actions because they are watching & Most Importantly… Imitating.

#LittleEyesAreWatching #TheyDontAlwaysDoWhatYouSayButTheyDoWhatYouDo