The Parenting Prophecy

Parents often mimic their parents’ parenting – for better or for worse.

Most parents, at some point, catch themselves mirroring their own parents’ behaviors with their children. They may mimic specific mannerisms, phrases or physical tics their parents displayed – for example, a glare to signal displeasure with a child’s whining. Or they might subconsciously adopt entire attitudes passed down from their parents. For example, if your parents reacted harshly when you asked for a toy, you might internalize the notion that children who request non-necessities from adults are acting like brats. This, in turn, could lead you to snap at your kids when they beg for treats.

Even if you haven’t noticed yourself behaving like your parents, you probably do, sometimes. Studies examining multiple generations of families show that, by and large, people’s parents shape their...