Couples are modeling to their children.

Often, we see couples coming to therapy for relationship issues. In the mist of treatment, some couples share that their children are also not doing well, or being disrespectful, depressed, and so on.

Below are some tips for parents to show to their children’s behaviors that will help them to become a fulfilled adult, where they will apply to themselves, what they learned by example from their parents.

1. Stand up for what’s right – Show your kids that is important to stand up for themselves and others in any circumstance they face in life.

2. Think before reacting. If you are reacting to your spouse, saying mean, untruthful things, without a filter, your children will do the same, to their peers, their superiors, and to you.

3. Be emotionally independent. Don’t let other people’s emotions dictate how YOU should be feeling. Check in with yourself, connect to your own emotional history, and evaluate the situation as you decipher your own emotion.

4. Use social media wisely. If you give a lot of credit to what’s happening in social media, you are also telling your children that you expect them to be as perfect as the “masked” posting you’re admiring.

5. Set goals and follow through. Let your children see that it is productive to set goals, apply yourself to reach those goals. They’ll do the same when the time comes.

There are a lot more ways to model to your children how to be a wholesome human being. Just remember: they are watching you.

If you are having issues to go through life and cannot help but display negative emotions and behaviors at home, please call our office, Tampa Therapy & Wellness (813- 530 5180), and one of our therapist can help you.