25 Ways To Inculcate Good Habits In Children

I m a g e : S h u t t e s t o c k

“ I t is e a s i e r to p r e v e n t bad h a b i t s than t o break t h e m ” – B e n j a m i n Franklin

G o o d habits g o a l o n g way i n establishing t h e child’s p e r s o n a l i t y . The c h i l d tries t o emulate h i s parents a n d other e l d e r s in t h e family; s o as p a r e n t s you n e e d to p r a c t i c e what y o u preach. H a b i t becomes s e c o n d nature t h r o u g h regular p r a c t i c e . As p a r e n t s , you s h o u l d also m a k e your c h i l d understand t h e reason b e h i n d developing t h e habits, s o that h e will b e convinced t h a t this h a b i t is g o o d for h i m . Don’t f o r g e t to r e w a r d or a p p r e c i a t e your a p p l e of t h e eye i f he a c q u i r e s the h a b i t and f o l l o w s it s i n c e r e l y .

A c q u i r i n g good h a b i t s or m a n n e r s are p a r t of t h e learning p r o c e s s . Parents c a n make t h e learning e x c i t i n g and f u n by i n t e r a c t i n g with t h e i r children. T r y to b e encouraging a n d affectionate w h i l e teaching g o o d habits f o r kids. B e firm i f they a r e not f o l l o w i n g your i n s t r u c t i o n s , but d o n ’ t discourage t h e m with n e g a t i v e comments. I f your c h i l d is a t t e n d i n g pre-school t h e n talk t o his t e a c h e r and c h a l k out a plan t o develop g o o d habits i n children.Keep y o u r s e l f updated w i t h your c h i l d ’ s progress a t school.

F r o m the m o m e n t your k i d calls y o u mommy f o r the f i r s t time, y o u will h a v e a m i l l i o n things p l a n n e d for h i s future. H o w e v e r , don’t i m p o s e your w i l l on y o u r child a n d also t r y to u n d e r s t a n d his p r o b l e m s and d e s i r e s . As a mother, y o u would w a n t your k i d to b e successful a n d happy a s he g r o w s older, a n d you’ll d o your b e s t to m a k e that h a p p e n .

I t is v i t a l to e n c o u r a g e good h a b i t s of c h i l d r e n i n their e a r l y years. T h e habits l e a r n t in t h i s phase w i l l stay w i t h him f o r the r e s t of h i s life.

1 . Keep T h i n g s Positive:

H a v i n g a p o s i t i v e frame o f mind i s extremely e s s e n t i a l for y o u as a parent d u r i n g your c h i l d ’ s initial y e a r s . Everything y o u teach h i m now w i l l leave a mark o n his t h o u g h t pattern. T h e last t h i n g you w o u l d want i s to s e e your k i d take t h e route o f pessimism a n d depression a s a t e e n or a n adult. A d o p t a p o s i t i v e frame o f mind y o u r s e l f , and m a k e sure t h e environment a t home i s happy a n d comfortable.

O f t e n , children w h o develop s u i c i d a l nature a n d tendencies t o harm t h e m s e l v e s the r o o t causes u s u a l l y lies a t home. T h e s e could b e many, s u c h as n o t finding c o m f o r t or s a f e t y in t h e place o f upbringing. S o make s u r e your h o m e is a n abode w h e r e your k i d feels s a f e and c o m f o r t a b l e .

I n the b o o k titled ‘ P u r p o s e f u l Parenting: S t r a t e g i e s for R a i s i n g Children W h o Achieve’, D r . Rose T . Watson s t a t e s that t h o s e children w h o are c u d d l e d and c o m m u n i c a t e d with i n a r e g u l a r basis g r o w up t o be m o r e confident i n d i v i d u a l s . This a l s o paves t h e way f o r a p o s i t i v e environment a t home. C h i l d r e n also n e e d their o w n furniture a n d toys, t h e y feel s e c u r e in t h e i r own s p a c e . D r . Watson s u g g e s t s parents t o use t h e furniture a n d toys t o teach r e s p o n s i b i l i t y within t h e household, l i k e teaching t h e child t o keep t h e toys b a c k in t h e right p l a c e after p l a y t i m e is o v e r .

P a r e n t s should a l s o maintain a library a t home a n d give t h e i r children l e a r n i n g tools s o that y o u r child s u c c e e d s academically. A s parents e n c o u r a g e your c h i l d to s e a r c h meanings o f new w o r d s in t h e dictionary a n d also f i n d answers t o their q u e r i e s in e n c y c l o p e d i a s . This w i l l teach y o u r child h o w to d o research. B o o k s bring o r d e r and d i s c i p l i n e at h o m e .

A l s o help y o u r child t o make r o u t i n e s and c r e a t e a d e s i g n a t e d time f o r study a n d play, t h i s will t e a c h your c h i l d the v a l u e of d i s c i p l i n e . Never u s e slang w o r d s or f i g h t in f r o n t of y o u r child, t h i s will v i t i a t e the p o s i t i v e atmosphere o f the h o u s e and t h e child w i l l learn t h e wrong t h i n g s . Children w h o experience d o m e s t i c violence g r o w up t o be i n s e c u r e and v i o l e n t too.

H e r e are s o m e points y o u can k e e p in m i n d as p a r e n t s to m a i n t a i n a p o s i t i v e atmosphere a t home:

A positive, c a l m , nurturing a n d comfortable h o m e environment i m p r o v e s parental v i s i o n .
Y o u should e n c o u r a g e cooperation a n d not c o m p e t i t i o n .
N o coercion a n d only c o m m u n i c a t i o n is a d v i s a b l e .
D o n ’ t call y o u r children w i t h negative n a m e s . Use r e s p e c t f u l and e n c o u r a g i n g words t o foster a feeling o f security a n d trust.
A l w a y s be a p p r o a c h a b l e and a m i a b l e . Your c h i l d r e n should f e e l free t o communicate w i t h you a n d ask t h e i r queries. B e like a friend t o your c h i l d .
B e a p a t i e n t listener a n d give i m p o r t a n c e to y o u r child’s o p i n i o n . Also e x p l a i n your v i e w p o i n t s .
Y o u r children s h o u l d contribute a c c o r d i n g to t h e i r abilities.
N e v e r compare y o u r children s i n c e each c h i l d is u n i q u e . Recognize a n d appreciate h i s individuality.
S p e n d quality t i m e with y o u r children a n d also k e e p separate t i m e for f a m i l y activities.
B e l i e v e in y o u r children a n d the c h i l d r e n will b e l i e v e in t h e m s e l v e s . Look a t their t a l e n t s and a c h i e v e m e n t s and n o t their f a i l u r e .
E n c o u r a g e the c h i l d r e n to l e a r n from t h e i r mistakes.

2 . Be R e a l i s t i c With Y o u r Expectations:

O n e of t h e most i m p o r t a n t factors t o remember w h i l e bringing u p your c h i l d is t o keep y o u r expectations r e a l i s t i c . Your k i d is b o u n d to m a k e mistakes a t some p o i n t of t i m e , and y o u need t o deal w i t h it p a t i e n t l y and g r a c e f u l l y .

R e m e m b e r that y o u r kid i s still s m a l l and i n e x p e r i e n c e d , and h e will m o s t likely e m u l a t e what h e observes a r o u n d him.

C h i l d r e n will l e a r n to d o what y o u expect f r o m them i f your e x p e c t a t i o n s as a parent a r e realistic. A s parents y o u have t o realize t h a t children d o n ’ t learn a t same r a t e and w i t h i n the s a m e time f r a m e and w i t h the s a m e ease. N o r can t h e y reach a uniform l e v e l of a c h i e v e m e n t even w h e n they g r o w up t o be a d u l t s . Even t h o u g h , parents a r e aware o f this s t i l l they h a v e high e x p e c t a t i o n s from t h e i r children. N a t u r a l l y there w i l l be s o m e expectations b u t they s h o u l d n ’ t be r o s y expectations.

S o m e t i m e s rosy e x p e c t a t i o n s can i n s p i r e parents t o spend q u a l i t y time w i t h their c h i l d r e n and g i v e their c h i l d r e n enough s u p p o r t to u s e their p o t e n t i a l to t h e maximum e x t e n t . However i f unrealistic e x p e c t a t i o n s exceed t h e potential t h a t the c h i l d has, i t can b e harmful f o r the c h i l d ’ s development a n d self-image. S o , parents a c t u a l l y need t o be p a t i e n t for t h e child’s s k i l l s and i n t e r e s t s to d e v e l o p in h i s formative y e a r s .

I f parents a r e high a c h i e v e r s they e x p e c t their c h i l d r e n to r e a c h that l e v e l . However, a s parents y o u should r e a l i z e that c h i l d r e n ’ s job i s to l e a r n and p l a y . So l e t them e n j o y their c h i l d h o o d and d o n ’ t bog t h e m down w i t h your e x p e c t a t i o n s . You c a n ’ t expect a d u l t behavior f r o m little c h i l d r e n ! Parents o f t e n feel e x a s p e r a t e d by t h e i r children’s b e h a v i o r , all t h e y want i s your a t t e n t i o n and t h a t is a n example o f normal b e h a v i o r from k i d s .

3 . Encourage F a m i l y Bonding:

F a m i l y time i s extremely i m p o r t a n t for a growing k i d . Introduce h i m to t h e different m e m b e r s of y o u r family; e x p l a i n how t h e y are r e l a t e d to h i m and h o w he s h o u l d be t r e a t i n g them. T h i s way, h e will l e a r n to v a l u e people a r o u n d him a n d as w e l l be l e a r n i n g the i m p o r t a n c e of f a m i l y right f r o m the b e g i n n i n g .

Y o u can a r r a n g e indoor a n d outdoor g a m e s , family p i c n i c s and g e t together, p o t l u c k and o t h e r fun a c t i v i t i e s to e n c o u r a g e strong f a m i l y bonding.Children f r o m broken h o m e s suffer f r o m social m a l a d j u s t m e n t whereas c h i l d r e n coming f r o m homes w h e r e family r e l a t i o n s are r e a l l y strong g r o w up t o be c o n f i d e n t and h a v e a p o s i t i v e outlook.

4 . Set S t r o n g Ground R u l e s :

A s a p a r e n t , it i s extremely i m p o r t a n t for y o u to s e t down r u l e s for y o u r kid, e s p e c i a l l y after h e has s t a r t e d his s c h o o l . Now i s the t i m e to m a k e a r o u t i n e time t a b l e for y o u r kid. S e t out f i x e d hours f o r playtime, h o m e w o r k and s c r e e n time. G i v e him 1 5 minutes e v e r y day t o clean h i s room a n d an h o u r to r e l a x out i n the g a r d e n .

T r y to m a k e a f l e x i b l e routine a n d don’t b e too s t r i c t while a l l o c a t i n g time f o r study a n d play. K e e p adequate t i m e for p l a y i n g as s p o r t s help i n both p h y s i c a l and m e n t a l development.

5 . Make H i m Understand:

P r o b a b l y the m o s t important a s p e c t of g r o w i n g up i s to m a k e your k i d eat h e a l t h y food. K i d s good h a b i t s always n e e d to s t a r t early. I f your k i d insists o n picking u p a p a c k of 2 – m i n u t e noodles f r o m the s u p e r m a r k e t , ask h i m to r e a d out t h e ingredients o n the l a b e l . Explain h i m why h e should n o t consume i n s t a n t food w i t h harmful i n g r e d i e n t s like s o d i u m glutamate t h a t can c a u s e health c o m p l i c a t i o n s in t h e long r u n . Educate y o u r child a b o u t the i m p o r t a n c e of h a v i n g a n u t r i t i o u s diet a s compared t o junk f o o d .

6 . Reward Y o u r Child:

I t is a great i d e a to r e w a r d your c h i l d for h i s good b e h a v i o r . This w i l l keep h i m motivated a n d will h e l p him s t i c k to b e i n g at h i s best b e h a v i o r always. H o w e v e r , a k e y point t o note h e r e is t o avoid r e w a r d i n g your k i d with m a t e r i a l i s t i c things l i k e chocolates, a n hour o f TV a n d the l i k e . Make t h e rewards i n t a n g i b l e – a hug, a word o f appreciation e t c .

R e w a r d your c h i l d with g o o d experiences- t h i s way; h e will l e a r n that h a p p i n e s s lies i n enriching e x p e r i e n c e s rather t h a n worldly p l e a s u r e s .

7 . Encourage P h y s i c a l Activity:

B e l i e v e it o r not, t h e kids t o d a y are m o r e likely t o be a f f e c t e d with lifes t y l e related d i s o r d e r s like c h i l d h o o d obesity, d i a b e t e s and e v e n high b l o o d pressure. S o if y o u don’t w a n t your k i d to b e a c o u c h potato i n his e a r l y years, e n c o u r a g e physical a c t i v i t y right f r o m the b e g i n n i n g . Get i n t o the p a r k along y o u r child w i t h a b a l l and p l a y with h i m . You c a n also g e t him e n r o l l e d in s w i m m i n g classes- a good w a y to k e e p him f i t and a c t i v e .

8 . Stay I n v o l v e d :

N o matter h o w busy y o u may b e in y o u r day t o day w o r k and c h o r e s , you m u s t make i t a p o i n t to b e involved i n your c h i l d ’ s life. Make s u r e you a r e updated a b o u t where h e goes, t h e kind o f friends h e has, a n d how h e ’ s doing a t school. I t is a great i d e a to h a v e a s h o r t chat w i t h your k i d after h e comes b a c k home f r o m school- i t ’ l l keep y o u updated o f your k i d ’ s emotional s t a t u s .

9 . Family D i n n e r s :

F a m i l y dinners a r e an e x c e l l e n t way t o inculcate t h e habit o f healthy e a t i n g in y o u r kid. I f the f a m i l y sits t o g e t h e r for d i n n e r , your k i d is l e s s likely t o consume u n h e a l t h y foods a n d will b e more i n touch w i t h the f a m i l y . It a l s o nurtures t h e feeling o f bonding i n him.

1 0 . Show R e s p e c t :

R e s p e c t i n g elders i s something y o u would w a n t your k i d to b u i l d as h i s etiquette. I f you h a v e n ’ t done t h a t already, i t ’ s now t i m e to e n c o u r a g e him t o do t h e same. R e a d out b e d t i m e stories t h a t talk a b o u t kids s e e k i n g blessings f r o m the e l d e r s and h e l p i n g them o u t with t h e i r activities. I t is a l s o a g r e a t way t o help y o u r kid c o n n e c t with h i s grandparents.

1 1 . Good M a n n e r s – A n Early S t a r t :

I t ’ s never t o o early t o start f i n d i n g good h a b i t s for c h i l d r e n . Encourage h i m to u s e phrases l i k e Thank y o u , Welcome a n d Sorry w h e r e appropriate. Y o u can a l s o give e x a m p l e s of g o o d mannered k i d s that y o u r child m a y know, b u t make s u r e you d o n ’ t go o v e r b o a r d and s t a r t comparing.

1 2 . Induct G o o d Literature:

R e a d i n g out s t o r i e s to y o u r kid f r o m a b o o k makes a significant d i f f e r e n c e . Good l i t e r a t u r e has a n effective w a y of i n s p i r i n g kids t o behave i n a c o r r e c t manner, f o l l o w a c o d e of d i s c i p l i n e and h a v e a p o s i t i v e outlook i n life. Get s o m e good b o o k s from y o u r local s t o r e and r e a d out m o r a l based s t o r i e s at b e d t i m e .

Y o u can r e a d aloud s t o r i e s of f a m o u s authors s o that t h e child’s c o m m a n d over t h e language b e c o m e s strong.

1 3 . Community P r o j e c t s :

H e l p your k i d understand h i s role a s a c i t i z e n by i n v o l v i n g him i n community p r o j e c t s . This w i l l encourage h i m to d o something f o r the g r e a t e r good. Y o u r child w i l l derive i m m e n s e satisfaction b y helping a n d serving o t h e r s . One g r e a t idea i s to h e l p him p l a n t trees o r be a part o f a s o c i a l campaign. S o c i a l responsibility i s a g r e a t way t o create a w a r e n e s s in t h e young m i n d and g e t him m o t i v a t e d for a good c a u s e .

Y o u should i n s t i l l the v a l u e of s o c i a l service t o your c h i l d . If y o u teach o r p h a n children o r visit a n old a g e home t r y to t a k e your c h i l d along w i t h you a n d interact w i t h the c h i l d r e n and t h e elderly p e o p l e . He w i l l feel g o o d and a l s o learn t o work f o r a n o b l e cause. A l s o check w h e t h e r the c h i l d ’ s school a l s o inculcates t h e value o f social s e r v i c e . Values l e a r n t at c h i l d h o o d stay w i t h him t h r o u g h o u t his life.

1 4 . Manage P o c k e t Money:

T h i s one i s probably o n e of t h e most i m p o r t a n t factors i n most h o u s e h o l d s . Thankfully, i t isn’t t h a t tough. T r y and g e t a r o u g h estimation o f how m u c h money y o u r kid n e e d s . Give h i m a f i x e d amount e v e r y month. A l s o , get y o u r kid a ‘piggy b a n k ’ and a s k him t o try a n d save m o n e y for a n y t h i n g he’d l i k e to p u r c h a s e later. T h i s will g e t him i n t o the h a b i t of s a v i n g .

N o w a d a y s banks a r e offering o p p o r t u n i t y for o p e n i n g bank a c c o u n t s for m i n o r s . You c a n ask y o u r child t o open a bank a c c o u n t and m a n a g e his o w n pocket m o n e y . It i s very i m p o r t a n t to l e a r n how a bank f u n c t i o n s , this w i l l pave t h e way t o w a r d s making y o u r child a self-sufficient, c o n f i d e n t and i n d e p e n d e n t individual.

1 5 . Be R e s p o n s i b l e :

G e t t i n g your k i d to b e responsible i s not e a s y , but t h e r e are s o m e good w a y s you c a n make y o u r child t o feel a c c o u n t a b l e . If y o u r little o n e is o l d enough, c o n s i d e r getting h i m a p e t – this w i l l instill a sense o f responsibility i n your k i d . Hand o v e r something i m p o r t a n t to y o u r kid a n d ask h i m to k e e p it s a f e , and s e e how h e goes a b o u t it. T h e s e small m e t h o d s are e f f e c t i v e to m a k e your k i d become r e s p o n s i b l e .

1 6 . Set E x p e c t a t i o n s :

A s a p a r e n t , it i s okay t o set e x p e c t a t i o n s with y o u r child. E x p l a i n him t h a t you w o u l d want h i m to a c h i e v e success i n life and b e a p r o at w h a t e v e r he w a n t s . Don’t o v e r b u r d e n him, b u t do n o t forget t o give a pat o n his b a c k whether h e stands u p to y o u r expectations o r not. A p p r e c i a t e the f a c t that h e tried. T h i s way, y o u ’ l l motivate h i m constantly t o do h i s best.

1 7 . Say N o :

Y o u r child s h o u l d know t h a t when y o u say ‘ N o ’ to s o m e t h i n g , it’s a final c a l l ! The l a s t thing y o u need i s your k i d turning i n t o an a r r o g a n t and r u t h l e s s personality w h o always g e t s away w i t h his e x c u s e s . Remind h i m that y o u in a u t h o r i t y and y o u will b e the o n e making d e c i s i o n s on h i s behalf t i l l he g r o w s older. O f course, m a k e him r e a l i z e the f a c t that h e can a l w a y s get a chance t o voice h i s opinion a n d explain h i s side; b u t of c o u r s e , the e n d verdict w i l l be y o u r s .

1 8 . Say Y e s :

A s much a s saying ‘ N o ’ matters, y o u must k n o w when t o say ‘ Y e s ’ as w e l l . If y o u r child h a s to a t t e n d a b i r t h d a y party, l e t him g o ahead a n d actively p a r t i c i p a t e , even i f it m e a n s changes i n the s c h e d u l e . The l i t t l e things t h a t enhance y o u r kid’s s o c i a l skills a r e completely a c c e p t a b l e .

1 9 . Be F i r m :

Y o u r kid m a y sometimes b e caught f o r his i n a p p r o p r i a t e behavior a n d lack o f responsibility; a t such t i m e s , be f i r m and t r y to m a k e him u n d e r s t a n d why h e shouldn’t b e behaving i n such a way a n d what h i s actions c o u l d lead t o . If y o u r kid s t i l l continues t o do t h e same, r e f u s e to t a k e a s t a n d for h i m all t h e time. L e t your c h i l d understand a n d experience t h e consequences p o s t demonstrating w r o n g behavior.

2 0 . Be a Role M o d e l :

O n e of t h e best w a y s to d e v e l o p good h a b i t s for k i d s is b y setting g o o d example y o u r s e l v e s . Your c h i l d learns m o s t of t h e things w a t c h i n g your e v e r y d a y behavior a n d habits. H e n c e it b e c o m e s important f o r you t o exhibit t h e best s o that h e imbibes t h e same.

2 1 . Cook w i t h Him:

C o o k i n g is a great s t r e s s buster a n d an e x c e l l e n t way t o bond w i t h your k i d . Get h i m to h e l p you d e c o r a t e cupcakes o r whip t h e salad d r e s s i n g s . You c a n also g u i d e him w h i l e choosing t h e right c o m b i n a t i o n of i n g r e d i e n t s for f o o d s .

2 2 . Appreciate H i s Achievements:

A p p r e c i a t e your k i d and r e s p e c t him f o r his a c h i e v e m e n t s , irrespective o f how t i n y they a r e . Remember t h a t he’s s o o n going t o be a n adult, a n d this i s the t i m e you s h o u l d start g r o o m i n g him t o be r e s p o n s i b l e and i n control o f his a c t i o n s . This w i l l help y o u r child r e m e m b e r that g o o d actions h a v e positive r e s u l t s and a t t r a c t appreciation.

2 3 . Give H i m A T r e a t !

Y o u can t a k e him o u t for a treat a t times i n recognition o f his g o o d behavior. T h i s is a great w a y to h e l p your k i d stay m o t i v a t e d for t h e next t i m e . Take h i m out f o r a h o l i d a y and m a k e him f e e l special a n d wanted.

2 4 . Let H i m Speak:

M a k e sure y o u give y o u r child t h e right t o his o p i n i o n . Allow h i m to s p e a k his h e a r t out o n any s i t u a t i o n and t r y to s e e things f r o m his p o i n t of v i e w . You c a n also a s k for y o u r child’s v i e w s in s m a l l matters c o n c e r n i n g the h o u s e . That w a y , he i s more l i k e l y to o b e y you a n d understand t h e reason b e h i n d your d e c i s i o n s , and w i l l even v a l u e your o p i n i o n .

2 5 . Love H i m :

O n e of t h e best t h i n g s you c o u l d do t o develop g o o d habits i n children i s to l o v e them. C h i l d r e n tend t o rely o n their p a r e n t s for e v e r y t h i n g . If y o u give h i m the r i g h t love a n d respect t h a t he d e s e r v e s , he w i l l surely w o r k out h i s way t o stay h a p p y with y o u and l o v e you t o o ! So b e liberal w h i l e giving t h o s e tight c u d d l e s and c u t e little k i s s e s before b e d . Your l i t t l e one w i l l feel l o v e d !

P a r e n t i n g is n o t h i n g short o f a c h a l l e n g i n g experience a n d it i s n ’ t a s m o o t h road. E x p e c t a l o t of b u m p s on t h e way. R e s t assured t h a t you’ll b e able t o handle e v e r y t h i n g wonderfully i f you j u s t keep c a l m and d e a l with y o u r kid i n the r i g h t way.

A l w a y s be m i n d f u l of t h e fact t h a t being t o o strict o r too e a s y isn’t g o i n g to h e l p . Finding a balance i s the b e s t way t o handle a n y situation. D o not h e s i t a t e to s e e k advice f r o m other p a r e n t s , and e v e n friends a n d family. Y o u can a l s o have a talk w i t h your p e d i a t r i c i a n and l e a r n more a b o u t your c h i l d ’ s development s t a t u s and t h e measures y o u need t o apply.

R e m e m b e r that y o u r kid’s g o o d habits a l w a y s b e g i n at h o m e . A g o o d habit f o r children helps y o u r child g r o w up s o o n and b e a w o n d e r f u l and s u c c e s s f u l human b e i n g . Make s u r e you’re t h e r e throughout t o guide a n d support h i m . Don’t f o r g e t to s h a r e your p a r e n t i n g experiences w i t h us.

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