Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. was in private practice for more than thirty years. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states ...Read More
In a similar way, it’s impossible to teach a child not to hit others if he is spanked. Telling a child not to hit falls on deaf ears if the parents use corporal punishment as a way to solve problems. Similarly, children who witness parents hitting one another are going to integrate that message rather than being told that violence is undesirable.
As parents, we teach our children that they should not use drugs and alcohol. However, if we drink and abuse drugs, the real message being taught is that there is nothing wrong with abusing substances.
We value giving, sharing, being kind and helpful and tolerant of others who are different and living a healthy life. In order to teach these values, we have to live in ways that help transmit those values to younger generations.
So, remember, children learn much more from what you do rather than what you say.
Your comments are encouraged.
Allan N. Schwartz, PhD
