“First we form habits, then they form us.”
Did you know that the habits your child develops in their early years can have a significant impact on their future? It’s true! From a young age, children pick up habits from their surroundings like a little sponge, and those habits can stick with them for life. That’s why it’s so important to help them develop healthy habits early on and to encourage them to develop life skills that will serve them well in the future.
Tweens face all sorts of challenges and opportunities, and the habits they’ve developed will play a significant role in how they handle them.
So, let’s work together to develop life skills in your child, maintain a positive attitude, and encourage good habits that will last a lifetime. You got this, parents!
The idea is to build good habits that last a lifetime!
A habit is a routine of behavior that becomes a regular part of your subconscious. And get this: according to habit expert Wendy Wood, almost half of our daily behaviors are performed out of habit!
Remember, systems > goals!
Goals are like the boss battles you aim to conquer, while systems are the secret power-ups that help you win. Goals give you direction, like finding the hidden treasure, but systems are the cool moves that keep you playing the game. Goals are all about winning, but systems are about staying in the game and having a blast!
The Atomic Habits book has an excellent framework of ‘the habit loop’ that will help you create a good habit. Here’s how it goes:
1. Cue: Making the habit obvious
Keep a colorful water bottle on your study desk as a reminder to stay hydrated while studying.
2. Craving: Making the habit attractive
Create a fun and catchy study playlist with your favorite tunes. It will make studying feel more enjoyable and exciting.
3. Response: Making the task easy
Set up a designated study area with all the necessary supplies within reach. This way, you won’t have to waste time searching for materials when it’s time to hit the books.
4. Reward: Making the task satisfying
Treat yourself to a short break with a favorite snack or a quick game after completing a study session. This will make studying feel more rewarding.
As a parent, some ways you can foster habit forming in your child include:
Develop creativity and curiosity in kids: Curiosity and creativity are not usually inborn characteristics. Encourage your kids to look for new types of experiences. You might share some of your hobbies to show them how joyful they are. Remember, in some kids, creativity and curiosity come naturally in spades, but these habits can also be practiced through repeated stimuli.
Train them to be gritty: As adults, we know that life success requires a significant time commitment. And for that, we need grit and determination. It’s easy to be interested in something initially and then lose interest. And it’s even easier for kids. Let’s face it, they are not the best with attention span. If you want happy kids, focus on building resilience and helping them work hard to get things done.
Teach them responsibility: Although teaching your child to be responsible is not always easy, there are some effective methods you can use. Think about getting a pet. Engage them in taking care of the pet and doing everyday chores like taking them out for a walk or cleaning fish tanks. Observe their approach and keep correcting them when necessary.
Allow them to take short breaks: Help your kid adapt the Pomodoro technique to overcome procrastination and become more productive. It is a technique where you take a short (5 minutes) break between bursts of concentration (25 minutes).
At DotX, we strongly believe that time management is a crucial life skill that can benefit everyone. That’s why we offer videos that teach children about the importance of time and provide them with practical techniques such as Pomodoro, Eat That Frog, and more. Enroll now to help set your child up for success in the future!
Life is a constant game of learning. We hope these tips have provided you with tools to help your kids build good habits that last a lifetime.
The Decision-Making Process:
Let’s face it, decision-making can be overwhelming, especially for young minds. Teach them the decision-making process: gather information, consider options, weigh pros and cons, trust their instincts, and make a choice. Break it down into manageable steps, and watch them grow into confident decision-makers. Remember to teach them to be patient because learning is not automatic but a skill that can be developed.
Evaluating Risks and Teaching Consequences:
Kids are curious creatures, constantly exploring the world around them…with wide-eyed wonder, and a mischievous sense of fun. They are always pushing boundaries and testing limits. But hey, amidst all the excitement, it’s essential to give them a crash course in the art of risk and consequence. Let’s have some open conversations about the “what ifs” and guide them in assessing the potential outcomes of their daring decisions. By teaching them the delicate dance of weighing risks against rewards, we’ll arm them with the superpower of making informed choices and ensuring their safety in this crazy ride called life!
Drawing Wisdom from the Gita:
In the ancient Indian scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, there’s profound wisdom on decision-making. Share age-appropriate stories and teachings from the Gita that emphasize the importance of making wise choices, acting with integrity, and following one’s dharma (purpose). Help your kids understand that decision-making is not just about personal gain but also about aligning their choices with their values and contributing positively to the world.
Instilling Second-Order Thinking or Long-Term Thinking:
Kids tend to live in the moment, focusing on instant gratification. However, it’s essential to nurture their ability to think ahead. Teach them the art of second-order thinking or long-term thinking. Help them understand the ripple effects of their decisions and how they can impact their future. By encouraging them to consider the bigger picture, you’ll foster a sense of responsibility and forward-thinking in their decision-making process. They will also learn the art of self-discipline.
Embracing Progress Over Perfection:
In a world where perfection takes center stage and steals the spotlight, it’s time to reveal a hidden truth to our little ones: progress is the true star of the show. Embrace the beauty of imperfections and mistakes, for they hold the key to invaluable lessons. Encourage your kids to embrace action, make bold decisions, and learn from the outcomes, rather than being trapped in the relentless pursuit of flawlessness. By fostering a growth mindset, you’ll empower them to tackle challenges head-on and become resilient decision-makers.
Game Theory: Teaching Cooperation and Collaboration:
Decision-making doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Many choices involve interactions with others. Introduce your kids to the concept of game theory, where they learn to consider the perspectives of others and find win-win solutions. Encourage cooperation and collaboration in decision-making scenarios, such as dividing chores or resolving conflicts. By teaching them to find common ground, you’ll nurture their empathy and negotiation skills.
Action items for parents:
So there you have it, parents! Armed with these decision-making tips for kids, you can guide them to become confident and independent decision-makers. Remember, it’s all about breaking down the process, nurturing their agency, and teaching them to evaluate risks and consider consequences.
And hey, don’t forget the wisdom of the Gita! Share stories from the scriptures that illustrate the power of making wise choices and living a purposeful life. Whether it’s Arjuna’s dilemma on the battlefield or Krishna’s teachings on righteousness, these lessons can help shape your child’s decision-making compass.
Wondering how to give your kids the right resources to become a pro at decision-making? Our courses can help. Register with us to know more.
Remember, as parents, you have the power to empower your children to make confident choices and navigate life’s beautiful journey. So go forth, equip them with these decision-making skills, and watch them flourish into incredible individuals who can conquer any challenge that comes their way!