Every culture has its own version of proverbs that have been passed across generation! When it comes to parenting, here a few German proverbs!

A. Wie man in den Wald hineinruft, so schallt es heraus

Translating… As you call into the forest, so it echoes back.

Meaning… The way you treat children influences how they respond.

B. Was Hänschen nicht lernt, lernt Hans nimmermehr

Translating… What little Hans doesn’t learn, grown-up Hans will never learn.

Meaning… Emphasizes the importance of forming habits during childhood.

C. Kleine Kinder, kleine Sorgen; große Kinder, große Sorgen

Translating… Little children, little worries. Big children. Big worries.

Meaning… A humorous observation about parenthood and its never ending worries as children grow older.

D. Wie der Vater, so der Sohn.

Translating… Like father, like son.

Meaning… Children often resemble & imitate their parents

E. Man erzieht Kinder nicht mit Worten, sondern mit dem eigenen Leben

Translating… You don’t raise children with your words, but with your own life.

Meaning… Despite what you teach, children learn from your behavior. So, lead by example, as children learn from what their parents do.

Every language has something similar to these proverbs.. if you know any proverb similar to these in your own language, share it in the comments below 🙂