I'm fairly different from my parents. It actually troubles me when I'm similar to them politically. But then, I don't understand why they vote how they do. I think they vote Conservative but then, they're not really all that right leaning in their views. I think it's more that they don't like Labour. I'm not too sure why though.
I don't vote at all. I simply don't trust any of them! I hope I'm more left than right leaning though, in terms of my views. I have inherited prejudices though- from my parents. I have to work hard to keep them in check.
My parents are religious. My step family more orthodox in a way. We were more just vaguely spiritual growing up. So- not really bible studies and church but, a belief in heaven and morals. I lean towards atheism now. I'd prefer to be a convinced atheist but there are some lingering uncertainties with regards to God, afterlife etc.
Diet- wise, we were always pretty bad with snacks and nice puddings but, all my family cooked and made sure we ate proper meals. I'm generally awful with diet. It's all about convenience. I try to make slightly healthier choices sometimes but I don't eat properly.
I think whether we are like our parents depends on our relationship with them and, our childhood. If we find ourselves feeling rebellious towards them. Or, we find their teachings have caused us harm as well as good, we may well go on to vehemently reject them.
Maybe part of my rejection of religion was developing ideation young. Hearing that suicides went to hell was therefore unsettling! But then- I suppose it made me really question my own beliefs. Were they in fact my beliefs? No- as it happens.
I also think it depends on what kinds of associations we build with things. So- someone I know actually enjoys housework because, when they were young, their Mum worked a lot so- they were so grateful to have the help. They had built such positive associations with it that that continued. I think the reverse can also happen.
If on the other hand, meal times say were more of a sufferance. You had to eat at certain times. You had to eat certain things. Arguments flared up over meal times- all that gives us negative associations. So, when we get the freedom to choose, we can run a bit wild!
I've known even greater extremes actually. Someone I knew was always late for stuff. Literally anything- social things, even official things. Turns out a close relative of theirs had died fairly young- likely from a stress related illness. So- it's like that had become a phobia of being stressed for them- which mannifested in being late for everything!
I suppose all that makes it so important to give children a calm, supportive environment. Otherwise, they may rebel against things that were actually doing them good- like having a proper diet.
It's fascinating though- considering what causes us to rebel. I have 'The Crown' on in the background- about the British Royal Family. Throughout history, we've often had one very straight laced, diligent, serious, dutiful sibling and one that goes off the rails. So- I think there's that dynamic going on too. Maybe because the more straight laced one is being given more attention- often because they are in line for the throne. So- the other plays up to get the attention back on them. Isn't there that observation of the second child sometimes being like that?
