Children Learn by Imitation
Children primarily learn and develop by imitating the behaviors of those around them, especially the same-sex parent, who is often the primary model.
THE IDEA
How Are Children Influenced?
Children learn and develop in multiple ways, but the most common is by imitation. A child mimics what he sees around him, the parent of the same sex often becoming the model for imitation. (This is clearly not an exhaustive study on how the process works, as this book is not about how we influence our children.)
When to use it
Parents can demonstrate good habits like brushing teeth or reading to encourage children to adopt them through imitation.
Teachers can model enthusiasm for learning and respect for others to foster similar attitudes in students.
Caregivers should be mindful of their own actions, as children are likely to copy both positive and negative behaviors.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Imitating a Parent's Grooming
A young boy observes his father shaving and later mimics the motion with a toy razor, trying to copy the same behavior.
Imitating Reading Behavior
A child sees her mother reading books and begins to pick up books and pretend to read, imitating the adult's focus and actions.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What behaviors have you noticed your child imitating recently, and what might they be learning from you?
How can you model positive behaviors intentionally to guide a child's development?
Are there any habits or actions you exhibit that you would not want a child to imitate?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)