Never underestimate what even the littlest tots know. They may not have the vocabulary or reasoning skills to understand yet, but they are tuned in and collecting information at the speed of light. And just as they want to be with you, they want to be just like you. Here is your golden parenting opportunity to teach your values, just by being yourself.

Six Adult Qualities Your Toddler is Learning from You NOW

A toddler’s job is to be a very inquisitive explorer. And that includes investigating how to “be” with people. As your toddler interacts with her environment, she is already forming impressions and having experiences that are shaping the person she will become. And, you have the golden parenting opportunity right now, to help your child develop into a well-adjusted and well-respected adult. Your every day actions are powerful visual tools for raising kids. They want to be just like you so they naturally copy your behaviors.

Following are some qualities and skills that parents hope to see their children adopt. What behaviors do you value and what behavior problems do you want to avoid?  Remember, you are modeling these qualities for your children, even when they are not looking!

1. Kindness. When you are genuine about how you care for your family, even when they “stress you out”, your toddler sees tolerance and unconditional caring.
2. Listening. Children need time to talk and be fully heard even right from beginning babbling. As they grow a little older they hear a lot going on around them, but how often do they get to be center stage, listened to one on one, uninterrupted. Let your cell phone go to voicemail! Turn off the computer! Understand that when you give your full attention, you teach respect, which is the natural way your child will spontaneously give it in return.
3. Emotional control. Children learn by watching you. How do you handle frustration? Do you keep your composure under stress? Do you accept the consequences of actions you may later regret? And yes, you can show your child you are human – not every decision will be a perfect one.] Admitting your mistakes is good for children to see. “Woops Daddy broke it!”
4. Empathy. When you are empathic towards someone's feelings, you may not necessarily agree, but you are saying “Your thoughts matter to me. Be in your child’s shoes for just a moment, and he will know you “get” him, even though he may not get his way and he is seeing you demonstrate the skill of being empathic toward him and others. Empathy is a wonderful social skill and friendship builder.
5. Self-discipline. From about a year old, children need simple rules and routines followed consistently and these become building blocks for bigger expectations. These boundaries help children to control impulses to dive into the overwhelming curiosities and temptations that confront them. Non-negotiable boundaries keep kids feeling secure, saving them the trouble of dabbling in limit testing, freeing their thoughts to focus on their learning and development. When kids have followed rules and routines from early years, they get to school, and know how to get things done. 
6. Responsibility. Give your toddlers safe, small jobs, which are mini-versions of the adult jobs. Kids learn self-satisfaction comes from finishing a job. Helping mom or dad sweep the floor nightly after dinner, teaches routines that lead to orderly backpacks and smooth homework routines.