Kids absorb their parents’ habits like sponges. Even the little things you don’t think twice about leave a lasting imprint on them. The way you interact with waiters, house help, security guards, and cashiers says more about your character than words ever could. If you constantly complain about your weight, skip meals, or eat mindlessly, kids learn to associate food with guilt rather than nourishment. Learn to say thank you and please to everyone so that your child learns that it is essential to treat everyone with respect, regardless of job, social status, or background. The next time you’re about to react to stress, ignore a stranger, or mindlessly scroll through your phone, ask yourself: Is this something I would want my child to do? If parents are constantly glued to their phones, kids feel ignored and will eventually adopt the same habit. Set \”no phone zones\” during meals and family time. Teach them that food is for nourishment and energy, not something to fear or obsess over. Make family meals fun, relaxed, and free from diet talk or food shaming. If parents complain about work, procrastinate, or avoid responsibilities, kids learning that effort and discipline are burdens.
