LISTEN: How parents' behaviour shapes their children’s future – 'Children learn what they see'

702's Gugs Mhlungu spoke to resident human potential and parenting expert, Nikki Bush.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.

"...children learn what they see. They are experiential learners. They are visual learners. They are auditory learners."

- Nikki Bush, parenting expert

Children are constantly observing the adults in their lives, and they’re learning more than we may realise. 

Bush says that seemingly small behaviours often leave the biggest impact on young minds.

She explains that parents are their children's "hidden curriculum".

"About 85% of what our children really need to know to thrive in life, they actually learn from us by our osmosis, through absorption. We are the marinade."

- Nikki Bush, parenting expert

Bush provides tips for parents to role model positive behaviour:

• Talk your children clever: Have meaningful conversations during everyday routines like driving or cooking.
• Model kindness and empathy: Offer help to others, show gratitude, and be generous with your time.
• Involve kids in chores: Sharing tasks teaches responsibility, ownership, and cooperation.
• Discuss money openly: Teach budgeting and saving by example, not just instruction.
• Make time to play and connect: Fun builds trust, strengthens relationships, and supports social development.

For more parenting tips, you can visit nikkibush.com

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation