Rosilee Trotta, MSW, LCSW
Urban Youth & Family Specialist
TrottaR@missouri.edu

Being our child’s first and most important teacher is an awesome responsibility. As parents, we need to keep in mind that every interaction with our child is a potential learning experience. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we teaching what we want our child to learn?

• Do we use language that shows respect for our child and others? 

• Do we set a good example by doing our best, no matter the situation?

• Do we make excuses or blame others when things go wrong?

• Do we teach good problem-solving skills by working through a difficult situation and ending with the most positive solution?

• Are we angry much of the time?

Our children watch us closely. They learn from everything we do . . . or don’t do.  Are we teaching them what we really want them to learn?