I’m a child expert, these are the 8 things you should NEVER talk to your kids about
AS kids grow up, they become increasingly impressionable.
What we expose them to is most likely what they will carry with them, so it's important to always be conscious of what we say to ensure they aren’t wounded by our words.
She said: “As young people with undeveloped brains, kids haven’t got much mental agility or ability to question what is being presented to them whether that be good or bad.
“The younger the kid the more damning the effects are. The subconscious mind is open and subjective to all sorts of suggestions before the age of seven.
“They don’t reason or think objectively. Think of the brain as rich soil; whatever seeds fall on it, will grow, and bring forth its kind.
“That’s why everything the primary carers are, is what the child is likely to be. The food they eat, the language they speak, what they believe, how they behave.”
The adolescent psychologist explained that after the age of seven, kids start to learn how to think for themselves.
Kids continue to follow the suit of their parents as they know no difference. But young people continue to be susceptible to their environment, especially their home environment.
Angela explained: “If there’s a change of attitude from parents and primary carers, beliefs and attitudes can be reversed in the same way they were learnt.
“By relearning and formation of new brain neuropathy and thus shifting beliefs, habits, and behaviour.
“Unlearning and relearning is not an easy process as according to the brain and body (neuroscience and biology) will be fighting to maintain the status quo.
A positive body image is often linked to higher self-esteem and healthy behaviour. We know that children learn by watching and listening.
Criticising your own body or others in front of your child may seem harmless because it's not directed at your child, but children often internalise these messages and they can begin to impact the way they feel about themselves.
Leon said: “Criticising your own body sends the message that your child’s value is intrinsically linked to their appearance.
“Openly talking about wanting aspects of your body to change can have children interpret bodies as ‘good’ should they conform to certain beauty standards or ‘bad’ if they don’t.
“Rather, talking about bodies coming in all different shapes, sizes and colours and how incredible our bodies are shows your children how to love and accept their own.”
ARGUMENTS
Leon also explained that how adults within the same household get along plays a big role in a child’s wellbeing and their understanding of relationships.
He said arguments and disagreements are perfectly normal but what matters is how children go on to understand the consequences of these disagreements.
Research has shown that when children are consistently and repeatedly exposed to conflict, particularly where tempers have risen, voices are raised and negative language is used, they can go on to develop increased heart rates and stress hormone responses.
Expert Leon said: “Children notice arguments even when parents think they haven’t and take note of the consequences of the conflict.
“This can lead to a greater risk of emotional and behavioural problems.
“However, conflict is a part of every human relationship and you can be reassured that children seeing adults disagree in a respectful way, where arguments are resolved quickly."
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"They can see their adult making up allows them to witness adults committed to working things out positively."
“Disagreements like this are a model of resilience in relationships and can help your child navigate their own emotions and relationships.”