Offices in Garden City, Roslyn Heights, and Rockville Centre
(516) 732-0273
Offices in Garden City, Roslyn Heights, and Rockville Centre
info@lipsychologist.com

Your Children Are Watching You: What Are They Learning?

by May 23, 2023Child Psychology

Children are like sponges for information. Their developing brains are constantly creating new space that is soaking in the world around them. They’re learning even when they’re not looking at you or listening to you, and they are doing so often when you think they’re not paying any attention at all.

Sometimes, it is important to have that reminder – the reminder that your children are always watching and learning. Because, right now, you may be showing behaviors that are impacting your children.

Modeling Healthy Behaviors

Your behaviors are observed by your children. There is this belief that “children are resilient,” and it’s true, but their brains are still developing how to respond to different situations, and they’re learning to understand the world based on how you react.

For example, if you react with anger or express hostility in a situation, even if you believe that your behavior is warranted and your reaction justified, your kids are still learning “in specific situations, it is okay to react with anger.” They may also change their opinion of you. They may see you as an angrier person than they expected, or they may believe that their own anger is acceptable if they feel like it is.

We see this not only with anger, but also with anxiety. If you see a small bug and react with fear, then your child is more likely to react with fear as well. They inherent your phobias, even though phobias are, by definition, irrational fears. Your child doesn’t need to act scared of it now for it still to create a phobia with them later.

Assume They’re Always Watching

There is no such thing as a perfect parent. You can’t be upset with yourself if you find that you’re reacting with anger, fear, or other negative emotions in places that do not warrant it. It’s going to happen. Everyone does it. You’re not expected to maintain yourself all the time.

But it is still a good idea to at least be aware that what you’re doing now can affect your children, and that they’re taking in your reactions and behavior the way a sponge takes to water. By at least having this awareness, you can potentially stop yourself before some of your reactions, you can teach your children lessons, and you can make sure that you’re aware of what they’ve seen to know more about what you can do to help them navigate this world.

Contact Long Island Psychology Today

If you have any questions about individual, group, or couples therapy (marriage counseling) or about working with a psychologist/therapist please do not hesitate to call.

We have offices in Garden City, Rockville Centre, and Roslyn Heights, NY. We also have remote therapy options available. If you need help on Long Island on or near Nassau County, contact Long Island Psychology, today. 

Contact:

(516) 732-0273
info@lipsychologist.com

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