Modeling for kids behaviour is not straightforward. It can backfire.

Modeling children's behavior through parental actions is complex and can lead to unintended consequences. Children may not emulate parents' behaviors as expected; instead, they may choose to reject or oppose them. For instance, a parent's negative habit, such as smoking, may repulse their children rather than attract them to it. The effect of upbringing on children's outcomes is often minimal, with research indicating a negligible impact. Parental influence can vary widely, with a 50/50 likelihood of achieving the desired behavior or seeing it backfire entirely. This unpredictability highlights that attempts to mold children's values or habits can sometimes lead to the opposite outcome, resulting in significant variability in the success of parental efforts.