Your earliest memories can shape the kind of parent, grandparent, or educator you become. They quietly influence your reactions, your expectations, and even the way you speak to children in your care. At Integricare, we believe that reflection is part of growth, especially when it leads to a more nurturing, understanding environment. This week’s devotional by Vetti explores how childhood patterns can be a powerful guide for building better relationships today.

What We Carry from Childhood

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 behaviours often repeat through unconscious or learned patterns that resurface when one becomes a parent.

Breaking the Cycle

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.

Passing on the Good

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

At Integricare, we understand that childhood experiences leave a lifelong impression. That’s why our Christian childcare centres and preschools are places where children are encouraged to grow in confidence, creativity, and character, guided by strong values and supportive educators. Explore more of our Christian learning devotionals to see how faith, care, and reflection come together in everyday moments.

Looking for Christian Childcare Centres, Preschools or Early Learning in Sydney?

We offer faith-based early learning programs for children from six weeks to school age, with long day care and preschool services available at our:

Childcare centre in Ashfield
Preschool in Auburn
Early learning centre in Blacktown
Preschool in Brighton Le Sands
Early learning centre in North Strathfield
Preschool in Northmead
Childcare centre in Northbridge
Early learning centre in Parramatta
Preschool in Pendle Hill
Childcare centre in Rockdale Plaza
Preschool in Rockdale
Childcare centre in St Ives
Preschool in Strathfield
Early learning centre in Turrella

With locations across Sydney, enrolling your child at Integricare means giving them a strong start in a caring, Christ-centred child care environment.