Here are the lessons you children are learning from you without you even realising.

You can spend countless hours lecturing your offspring on the benefits of being kind, gracious and forgiving people, but the reality is they get most of their how-to information by watching the way their parents interact.

Are you modelling the sorts of behaviours you want to see in your children? Read on for lessons (good and bad) you might be teaching to your kids without realising it.

CLICK THROUGH the gallery for the 18 lessons kids learn from your relationship. And if you’re on a mobile, the words are underneath the pictures. 

How to treat someone with respect.

Samantha became restless and apathetic.

What commitment means.

How equal partners negotiate.

There's joy in being a family.

How to fight fair.

Love should be unconditional.

How to apologise.

Why support is the key.

You need to show affection.

How to share.

How to make up after a fight.

You don't need to be perfect.

Why it's important to manage your emotions.

What love looks like.

Marriage is a two-way street.

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