Can Children Consciously Reject Their Parents’ Bad Habits?

A radio doctor recently argued that children naturally copy everything their parents do. He claimed a child will adopt all of a parent’s habits as an adult. From my experience, this isn’t always true. I know two men whose father was a heavy smoker and alcoholic. Despite his wealth and multiple marriages, his sons refuse cigarettes and alcohol. One even used to buy smokes for his dad but never developed the habit, determined to avoid that lifestyle. This makes me wonder: do some kids look at their parents’ flaws as a “what not to do” manual? Have you seen children grow up the opposite of toxic parents, or does upbringing always win out in the end?

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.