Q&A Forum - Best of Elise

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Parents do pass down to their children their values and children receive those values by observing their parents and copying their actions. The words of parents who lecture kids to live a certain way, yet do not live that way in their own lives, will ring hollow and be empty. Your father’s example of being devoted to your mother and encouraging her independence had such an affect on you that you sought out a woman who was similar to your mother (and sister). You witnessed the harmony and love in your home and you were wise to want that for your own marriage. And that same model has been passed down to your sons, thus the cycle continues.

Genetics do play a role. Genetics are very complex but children inherit personality traits and even certain behavioral habits from their parents, grand-parents, great grand-parents and so forth. And those traits and habits can be positive or negative. That is why no one should ever take being a parent lightly. Your actions today will affect your children, their children and on into future generations.