by Freyda Tartak

Created on: August 31, 2009   Last Updated: September 01, 2009

Children are information sponges and our society is on information overload. It is impossible not to be bombarded with images and sounds that may leave a less than desirable impression on a young mind. When considering that a habit is really something that initially seemed to feel good so it was done again and again to keep feeling good, it is wrong to lay blame on parents or anybody else.

Sure, it can be argued that a bad example can influence a child to take on something that will become a habit. However, if this child was prone to that activity it was only a matter of time before they would have discovered it another way. It is impossible to predict how a child will react to anything and what will become a habit that needs to be addressed. To illustrate the point let's look at some of the typical bad habits:

Thumb Sucking

Few adults suck their thumbs. It should be fair to say that this is something babies and small children are very good at discovering their own. Still, this can be one of the toughest behaviours to alter and some do end up taking it into their adulthood.

Sloppiness

When parents do not take proper care of their things and live in an untidy way it is easy to assume that their children will also live like slobs. If children are not taught otherwise, it will be very hard to learn how to keep their room tidy. On the other hand, if this argument is to stand then parents that live in a very tidy environment should expect the same of their kids. Why then are "pick up your toys" and "go clean your room" such common refrains?

Personal Hygiene

Parents that have poor personal hygiene habits may have a tough time passing on good habits to their children. But, how then should it be explained when two identical twins live in the same home, with the same parents and one takes very good care of themselves and the other lets things slide?

The habits children select are the ones that make them feel comfortable and secure. Even negative habits such as thumb sucking, messiness, and poor personal hygiene become part of how that person copes with stress and defines their personal space. To blame this on the parents is to not give the child enough credit as a living, breathing, thinking and feeling human being.

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