NO, NO! The things you shouldn't do in front of your child

Monday, March 08, 2010

LIKE sponges, your children will sap up everything that is happening around them. These include the negative things you say or do -- things that they may repeat around others and in the process embarrass you.

It is for this reason that we suggest you do not say or do the following things in front of your child, lest they parrot your bad behaviour.

1. Don't use curse words: If you use indecent language in front of your children, chances are they will start to use them too. The problem is, using curse words can get them in a lot of trouble when they go to school. It is also not appropriate for anyone to use them, let alone a child.

2. Don't expose them to sex: Sex is an adult activity, which should be reserved for when your children are out of the room, and out of earshot. Once your children start hearing or seeing you having sex, their curiosity will be piqued, and sometimes this leads to them experimenting. So it is always important that you and your children have separate sleeping quarters. It is enough to just talk to them about sex, not demonstrate for them.

3. Don't physically abuse your spouse: While you should not be abusing each other in the first place, doing so in front of your children can be detrimental for them. It has been said time and time again that most abusers come from abusive households and were just acting out what they saw as children.

4. Don't speak badly about other persons: Don't let your child hear you speaking badly about others, no matter how much hurt that person's behaviour has caused. Instead speak words that are edifying, and if you can't, unleash your venom when they are not around.

5. Don't litter: When you litter, you teach your children that it is okay to be nasty. If they see you throwing paper through the window of your car while driving or throw your garbage somewhere other than in the bin, then you are going to probably have a hard time getting them to clean their room.

6. Don't fight: Adults will always have their disagreements and that's a given, but by fighting it out in front of your children, you give them the impression that getting physical is the best way to solve them. Instead let them see your reason with the individual, so that they can understand that it is okay to talk things out.

7. Don't lie: If you lie around your child, then the natural outcome in some cases is that they too will start to lie. It's hard to tell them not to lie when they see you doing it all the time. And once your child starts lying, then it's going to be hard for you and them to have a good relationship, as distrust of each other will creep in.

8. Don't steal: It's hard to imagine a parent stealing for whatever reason, but unfortunately many do. The Jamaica Public Service commercial with the little girl asking, "How come?" rings true. If stealing is so wrong, why do you do it then?

9. Don't be a menace to society: Don't let your child see you being a time waster. Instead, allow them to see that you are a very productive individual who are making your contribution to society. They will eventually come to appreciate the value of hard work, if they see that it's worth it.

-- Nadine Wilson

Did you watch American football's Super Bowl on Sunday?
	Yes, but just for the advertisements
	Yes, just for the game itself
	Yes, for both the game and advertisements
	No, I did not watch the Super Bowl.

View Results
Results published weekly in Sunday Finance

Username:
Password:

US judge robbed by machete wielding thug in Nevis

NO, NO! The things you shouldn't do in front of your child