Some parents tend to view children as they do puppies with whom it is necessary to get, and keep, the upper hand in order to maintain authority. Children do not respond well to living under these conditions. Children do, though, learn from such treatment. They learn that it is okay to bully someone as long as that person is smaller and less powerful. However, unless an explanation follows, a child is likely to try to repeat that same behavior.
Children are excellent parental mimics.
They repeat what they have heard and imitate behavior they have seen. For example, at a recent banquet, Karen's mother left the table-to get another beverage. Her mother seemed to be ignoring her so Karen tried a third and fourth time, the volume of request rising. I'm getting you a drink. Parents are powerful models for their children and children observe carefully the methods parents use with them, as well as the way their parents relate to other adults.