Top 10 positive - and naughty - traits children learn from their parents

24 November 2023 , 12:18

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Children say they learn both positive and naughty behaviours from their parents (Image: Ruben Bonilla Gonzalo/Getty Images)

Children have revealed the top 10 positive qualities they believe their parents have instilled in them – as well as the top 10 more mischievous habits.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of youngsters, aged six to 16, reckon their mums and dads have done a good job in teaching them to always say please and thank you.

And the poll, of 1,000 kids in this age range, also found that 93% feel they have picked up kindness from their parents – with nine in 10 saying this is the best trait a person can have.

Meanwhile, a further 93% say their parents have taught them the difference between right and wrong, as well as how to be nice to people (51%), and make people smile (44%).

However, naughty youngsters have also fallen into the habits of staying up past their bedtime, being sarcastic – and even farting – because of their mums and dads.

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And other kids say they have also learnt from the older generation to be messy, impatient, and overly competitive, as well as not listening properly, and interrupting others when they are speaking.

The research was commissioned by Fairy Non Bio, which is calling on parents to remind their children that kindness, love, and care are qualities which truly matter.

Top 10 positive - and naughty - traits children learn from their parents

Being messy is one of the bad habits they have picked up from the older generation (SWNS)

A spokesman for the liquid detergent brand said: “Kids clearly pick up more than parents realise, as the results show. Every word we speak, every action we take, leaves an impression on our children's personalities.

“But it’s heart-warming and reassuring to see that in such a fast-paced world, where we’re constantly thinking about “what’s next”, kids are learning that kindness, love, and care are the qualities that truly matter, helping to create a more kind and compassionate society.

“We know how important this is, and why every child deserves unconditional care – which is why we’ve partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, to ensure every child feels wrapped in kindness, love, and care.”

The study revealed other positive traits kids have taken from their mum and dad include giving hugs to friends and family (46%).

Children also believe they carry out as many as four acts of kindness in a typical day – and 32% even say please and thank you to electronic devices, like Alexa or Siri, when interacting with them.

Liz Tait, director of fundraising at GOSH Charity, which will receive 5p from every Fairy Non Bio product purchased at Home Bargains, said: “When a child is facing serious illness, making special memories together as a family, and spreading kindness as much as possible, is more important than ever – so we’re thrilled to once again be partnering with Fairy Non Bio on their #ToMyBaby campaign.

“All the money raised will help provide vital support for children and their families during what can be an extremely challenging time, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who buys a special pack.”

TOP 10 NAUGHTY TRAITS KIDS HAVE PICKED UP FROM THEIR PARENTS: