Can you remember your childhood? What was good about it? What wasn’t so good?

A crucial aspect of parenting involves breaking the cycle of hurtful experiences and embracing the joyful ones.

Research conducted in 2004 tracked 2,338 adolescents over 20 years, revealing that parenting behaviors often repeat through unconscious or learned patterns that resurface when one becomes a parent.

The part I didn’t enjoy as a child, was being asked whether I’d done a chore; “Have you cleaned your room?” It reads as a question, but it was delivered like a statement. “I bet you haven’t cleaned your room!”

Mum would assume I hadn’t done it yet, which was probably true, but it stung. Because of that, I tried really hard not to do the same with my kids. And I really had to make a conscious effort NOT to do it, it was such a familiar pattern to me.

But there were a lot of parts that I enjoyed that I’ve tried to mimic as a parent. I loved the freedom of living in the country and exploring the farm on our motorbike; Riding up and down creek embankments, and chasing kangaroos was such a thrill.

As best I could, I’d encourage our children to explore the outdoors, build cubby houses, make friends with the neighbour’s children and play on the street.

What was it about your childhood that you’d love to make happen now that you’re a parent? (or grandparent) What are some habits that you’d rather not repeat?

Blessings Vetti x