23 Things Your Kids Learn By Watching You

    The way you act today is the way your kids will act tomorrow.

    Mike Spohr
    by Mike Spohr

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. A positive body image.

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    Because if you don't complain about your body, your kids will be less likely to grow up to complain about theirs.

    2. A love of reading.

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    Your enthusiasm for reading is contagious.

    3. To look at the world from many perspectives.

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    You take the time to listen to the perspectives of others, and know that your perspective is only valuable if you constantly challenge it.

    4. To be cool-headed when driving.

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    Keeping your middle finger in its holster (even after you’re cut off in traffic), is a big reason why your kids won’t turn into ugly road ragers.

    5. Eating well.

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    You know "Do as I say, not as I do" is a bunch of crap, so you eat your veggies.

    6. Adventurousness.

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    You’ve probably told your kids something like, “You don’t have to try it twice, but you do have to try it once.”

    7. To be good with money.

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    Being responsible with your money isn't as fun as making it rain, but it sets the right example for your kids.

    8. To show love, respect, and courtesy to your partner.

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    Be your kids' first and longest lasting impression of what a relationship should be, and take that seriously.

    9. The importance of staying active.

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    You've found that the only way to tell your kids to get off the couch is by getting off the couch yourself.

    10. To take care of yourself emotionally.

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    Being an adult doesn't have to mean stoically bottling up your emotions inside. If you have to cry, you cry, and if you need mental health help, you get it.

    11. Voting is important.

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    You hit up the polling booths because you know that, as George Jean Nathan said, "Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote."

    12. To put value in your appearance.

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    You take care of yourself so your kids will take care of themselves too.

    13. The ability to unplug.

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    Kids today never knew a time before cell phones, laptops, and the internet, so it's up to you to show them how to live life as we did back in the '80s and '90s.

    14. To ignore your phone when behind the wheel.

    Fox

    You keep your phone in your pocket or purse when driving because you know that teaches your kids far better than any "don't text and drive" lecture.

    15. To help others.

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    You look out for the needs of others in order to raise kids who do the same.

    16. To stand up for yourself.

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    You want your kids to look out for others, but you especially want them to look out for themselves. That's why you never stand by idly when someone mistreats you.

    17. Environmental consciousness.

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    Caring for the environment grows increasingly important with every generation, so you do your part by going green at home and beyond.

    18. Eloquence.

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    You do your best to cut out "F" bombs (and grammatical missteps) because you know you shape your kids' speech long after they've said their first words.

    19. Good manners.

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    You don't want your kids to be unfairly dismissed by someone one day simply because they put their elbows on the table, so you model good manners and always say "please" and "thank you."

    20. A strong work ethic.

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    Nothing comes easily in life, and you demonstrate this to your kids every day by working hard for what you have.

    21. Courtesy toward service workers.

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    You never forget that service workers, even when they're not having their best day, are people too. This is why your kid will never curse out a waitress for being slow to bring their water and end up with an unwanted hair in their meal.

    22. To do all things in moderation.

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    You know anything in excess can be dangerous, so you live your life down the middle.

    23. A positive attitude.

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    Life is hard, and keeping an upbeat outlook isn't always easy. You do it, though, because you want your kids to learn that nothing good comes from wallowing in one's hardships.

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