A parent can do
anything in the eyes of a 6-year-old, but becomes an embarrassment to
that same child at age 13. An adolescent's more critical view of his
parents is part of growing up, preparing him to separate from his family
when he becomes an adult. Parents might turn that critical eye inward,
to reassess their parenting and lifestyles. The choices parents make can
have long-lasting positive and
negative influences on children.
negative influences on children.
Parental Involvement
It
isn’t easy to be involved with a teen who keeps pushing away, but
making the effort pays off. Parents who are involved with their
children, who know where they are after school and have met most of
their friends, have a positive effect on their child’s life. Children of
involved parents are less likely to participate in risky behaviors such
as smoking, drinking alcohol or fighting, according to the Kentucky
Department for Public Health. Teens with involved parents have better
self-esteem and perform better in school.
Lack of Involvement
On
the flip side, a lack of parental involvement can have long-lasting
negative effects on a child. Children who don’t have a close
relationship with a parent are at risk for teen pregnancy, more likely
to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, and more likely to live a
sedentary life. They are also more likely to be withdrawn or suffer from
depression.
Healthy Habits
Children
observe parents and their behaviors. Parents lead by example. A child
who sees his dad exercising regularly is more likely to be active as an
adult. Behaviors demonstrated by parents affect a child’s eating habits,
exercise habits and dental hygiene.
Bad Habits
Unhealthful
behaviors might have even higher negative effects. Children of smokers
are more likely to smoke, because of parental modeling and because they
have increased access to cigarettes. A child of an alcoholic parent is
four times more likely to become an alcoholic, according to the Kentucky
Department for Public Health. Some of it is genetics, some modeling,
and some accessibility.
Positive Parenting
Being
an involved parent takes time, patience and the ability to deal with
eye rolls and mopey behavior. Parents can start with a family dinner,
which has shown to have a tremendous positive effect on children. The
family dinner brings parents and children together, giving time and
space for conversation in a comfortable environment. Positive parenting
is being available to a child, talking about subjects that interest the
child and knowing his friends.
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