children would likely follow what their parents did....

yes, I agree with that, most children follow what their parents are doing. It is because they believe that their parents are right. Parents are role models to their kids. They should do the right thing because every move that they are going to do every action and decision they made would possibly followed by their children.

Yes I have been told the same thing too. I believe it happens whether you want it to or not. If I notice I am doing something my mother did, I will stop. I have always said I will NOT follow in the foot steps of my mother. I will keep my kids at home till they are 18 and I will love and care for my kids and no one will come before them!! I will not marry someone that is physically and mentally abusive. And I will talk to my kids about anything! She was not a very good example for a mother. I do care for her since she is my mom, but there are alot of things I will not forgive her for.

i have heard so from my elderly friends .children think of their parents as role models up till the age when the can think for themselves.

I think it happens quite a bit. Once when i was 17 or 18 a little girl around 7 or 8 asked me why i didn't have children. I was floored but when i looked around at her life a realized everyone woman/girl around my age has a baby or was pregnant. That was her life that was what she saw. I was an anomaly. I'm sure lack of education plays a part in repetitive behavior. Not knowing there is more or different ways of living that would work for them just as well if not better than the ones they are born into. Or thinking "they" can't achieve that type of life with negative thinking. by the way i told that little girl that i did want children but wanted to wait to make sure my child would have a better life then mine.

I think that this is true when parents act as their parents did and the cycle continues. My parents gave me free will and free thinking so I am less likely to pick up where the pattern left off. I was never punished as a child, scoulded on occation but never severly punished. It all comes down to letting children use their minds to think rather then forcing them to do what you want. That is how the whole thing starts. children with their own thoughts and ideas are free from fear of having an opinion and they are able to voice those opinions without punishment. Happy Sunday