Learned Behaviors

We've all heard of learned behaviors.

Also known as mimicking, it's when a person emulates the behavior of those around them.

Children, especially, are prone to picking up these traits from those closest to them, usually the parents.

My husband and I started discussing this the other day when we found out that Katie, our new, young mother on the streets, was herself raised on the streets as her mom went from man to man.

It is a pattern she knows well, and one she continues to repeat.

We believe with help, guidance, some healthy modeling, and a lot of prayer, we can help Katie to break the patterns that are so familiar to her.

That got us to thinking about other learned behaviors.

And how so much of what we see on the streets is learned behaviors.

But it isn't limited to the streets.

Even in church we see the children emulating the behavior of the parents.

Then the revelation came.

Learned behaviors are often associated with negative choices.

But learned behaviors can be positive as well.

From healthy hygiene habits to your prayer life, what you model in front of your children (whether they're newborn or grandparents themselves) creates learned behavior patterns that they will likely emulate.

Though the impact on their lives decreases dramatically once they are no longer living under your roof, don't completely dismiss your influence.

Got saved after your kids were grown? They are watching. Don't waste time lamenting what could have been. All that will do is destroy your testimony today.

Move on and rejoice that there's still time.

What kind of learned behaviors are those around you picking up?

Do coworkers see you as the calm in the midst of a storm?

What about your kids?

Do you have them brush and floss daily, but forget to remind them to pray?

The  behavior you model will be emulated by someone.

What kind of  behavior will that be?