It’s no secret that our kids are always watching us. They are watching our every move, as parents, whether good or bad. Not only are they watching, they are listening, too! I realized this a few years ago when my, then 4 year old, daughter called me out for abruptly ending a conversation with my husband without saying, “I love you!” Just to let you in on a little secret, we need to be on our best behavior around our kids – particularly how we interact with one another as their parents. Here are 4 reasons why we have to remember our kids are watching us.
We’re their first experience with marriage.
I always said that I want the kind of marriage that makes my kids want to get married. To the contrary, if they always see you fighting or unhappy, then they probably won’t be dying to get married when they become adults. Rightfully so, they won’t have any incentive.
Happiness is contagious.
Kids need food, water, clothing and shelter, but most of all, they need love. When they can see that we love each other, they can see that we’re happy. When we’re happy, our children are happy. Even if your kids are aware that you’ve had an argument with your honey, please also let it be known that this is a normal circumstance for parents to disagree and it’s not the end of the world.
We need to make them feel secure.
If our kids see us unhappy, in a state of discontent or always at odds with our spouses, then they’re prone to feelings of insecurity. Along with those feelings might come anxiety and social issues or even withdrawal. If we appear settled and happy in front of children – individually, as well as a couple, we help them out a whole lot more than we know.
They need to hear the praises.
How many times has your child heard you complain about your spouse? This is why it’s equally as important for them to hear you giving them praises when praises are due. Don’t let your kids only hear you saying negative things about your spouse or the all of the things they do wrong. That’s a lot for your kid to deal with, so use that old rule: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
These are just a few of the reasons, BMWK, can you think of any more?