Children See -- Parents as role models
Categories: Just for moms, Just for dads, Alcohol & drugs
We've all seen it -- a child says something wildly inappropriate and shocks the adults around her. Her parents shake their heads, "We don't know where she gets this stuff." It's happened to me, and because my kids spend nearly all day, every day with me alone, I can't look much farther than my own behavior.
I think that most, if not all, parents slip now and then -- a curse word slips out, voices get raised, carefully honed parenting techniques fly out the window in the face of fatigue and stress. Kids are resilient, they learn that grown ups make mistakes just like kids do. And we try harder not to make those mistakes the next time.
An Australian organization called ChildFriendly.org recently put out a children's rights video titled "Children See." It depicts parents at their worst -- abusive, violent, careless, angry -- as well as their children following their lead. It's disconcerting, disturbing, startling, but it's also an excellent reminder for even the most thoughtful parent that our children are watching us, every minute of every day.
Watch the video below, then share your thoughts with us in comments.
I think that most, if not all, parents slip now and then -- a curse word slips out, voices get raised, carefully honed parenting techniques fly out the window in the face of fatigue and stress. Kids are resilient, they learn that grown ups make mistakes just like kids do. And we try harder not to make those mistakes the next time.
An Australian organization called ChildFriendly.org recently put out a children's rights video titled "Children See." It depicts parents at their worst -- abusive, violent, careless, angry -- as well as their children following their lead. It's disconcerting, disturbing, startling, but it's also an excellent reminder for even the most thoughtful parent that our children are watching us, every minute of every day.
Watch the video below, then share your thoughts with us in comments.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mihir 7-18-2008 @ 6:36PM
great video and a great reminder.
although...i have to admit, the kid in the car flicking off the other driver made me laugh.
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ShortiRox 7-18-2008 @ 6:56PM
I didn't watch the video yet, but this reminds me of the other day driving with my 22 month old. I called some guy on the road an idiot (not to him, but out loud). So my toddler kept saying, "Daddy?" I guess she heard me call him an idiot one too many times :/ I tested it to make sure and she did it again. I felt bad, but . . . it was sorta funny
Reply
Sherilyn 7-18-2008 @ 8:24PM
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Speaks volumns....We need to wake up before it is too late!
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pamela 8-05-2008 @ 2:06PM
man is that sad!!! just like everyone else, i've made the same mistakes, driving i've called people a holes and such, luckily my son has never said anything ,well not that i could hear ha, he's 10 now and i still slip once in a while but that video shows how it does affect kids, i mean the abuse stuff is way worse than a slip of the word a hole but thats no exuse, it just makes me remember to try and keep the words to myself!!! haha
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Godlovsus2 10-08-2008 @ 12:01AM
This little movie should be on real TV where parents can see it we may have to cut it down then again maybe not they do have sex on TV these days. So whats a person flipping someone off if you see murder sex and volence all the time on TV.. Parents need to remember there little minds are picking up everything. Every word movement and jester. When I think about my boys now 21 and 27 how I should have remembered this more....I wish the Country would go back to the house of God. Where kids learn love trust repect. Go back to our Maker. He is waiting...
Reply
Godlovsus2 10-08-2008 @ 12:02AM
This little movie should be on real TV where parents can see it we may have to cut it down then again maybe not they do have sex on TV these days. So whats a person flipping someone off if you see murder sex and volence all the time on TV.. Parents need to remember there little minds are picking up everything. Every word movement and jester. When I think about my boys now 21 and 27 how I should have remembered this more....I wish the Country would go back to the house of God. Where kids learn love trust repect. Go back to our Maker. He is waiting...
Reply
Maeghan 10-14-2008 @ 11:33AM
This video brought me to tears. Especially the scene with the little boy about to punch his mother. Having lived in a abbusive house-hold, I have learned not to hold my father accountable 100% for his actions. His father was an abuser also. The cycle must stop, and it must stop now.
Reply