It’s a well-known fact: children absorb everything in their environment, from the language they hear to the behaviors they observe. Just because they are young doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be educated about toxic behaviors that they might encounter. As parents, it’s crucial to enlighten them about what’s acceptable and what isn’t.
How often have we heard, “Oh, sweetheart, he’s just being unkind because he likes you”? While that excuse might have been more acceptable in the past, today we need to empower our children with the tools to recognize and reject toxic behavior. I spoke with Maya Thompson, a therapist based in Chicago, who emphasized the importance of helping our children develop healthy relationships. Teaching them to stand up for themselves early on promotes better connections in their future.
Three Toxic Behaviors Kids Should Not Accept
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Ignoring Personal Boundaries
Many of us might be guilty of this. When it’s time to leave a family gathering, we often prompt our kids to give hugs and kisses, viewing it as a loving gesture. However, a child may not feel the same way. “If a child feels uneasy about physically greeting someone, they shouldn’t be forced,” says Thompson. Forcing such interactions can convey that their comfort doesn’t matter, leading them to disregard their own instincts in the future. -
Teasing Equals Affection
As adults, we wouldn’t assume that someone making fun of us does so out of affection. So why should we allow our kids to accept this kind of treatment? It’s essential to change the narrative. Instead of dismissing unkind behavior as typical childhood antics, we need to encourage our children to stand firm against such actions. -
Body Image Commentary
Society often feels entitled to comment on body image, leading kids to internalize harmful beliefs from a young age. “By refraining from discussing our kids’ bodies, we minimize the chance of sending mixed signals,” Thompson explains. Even well-meaning comments can imply that smaller bodies are desirable and larger ones are not. This can instill a sense of guilt in children, making them feel like they should apologize for existing in their own bodies.
Ultimately, as parents, we strive to do our best. Engaging our children in discussions about toxic behaviors empowers them to cultivate healthy friendships and relationships throughout their lives. For further insights, check out one of our other blog posts here.
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Summary:
Teaching children to recognize toxic behaviors is essential for their emotional well-being. By educating them about respecting boundaries, understanding that teasing is not a sign of affection, and avoiding harmful commentary on body image, we empower them to create healthy relationships in the future. Open conversations about these topics lay the foundation for their self-esteem and assertiveness.
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