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5 Habits of Highly Effective Kids

5 Habits of Highly Effective Kids
5 Habits of Highly Effective Kids

When it comes to parenting, I feel like I'm always at war with at least one of the little peeps in my household.

Even basic stuff like brushing teeth, bedtime, meals is cause for battle.

In an age of permissive parenting, are we focused more on our children's feelings than what's good for them? Sometimes I wonder.

I like to see my kids happy as much as the next mom, but I'm quite fine allowing them to "suffer" when it comes to following the rules and basic principals our family holds dear. While I wish my kids loved everything I deem necessary, they don't. They won't - and that has to be OK.


Related: 10 films that could make your kid a better person


When I really stopped to consider the battles worth fighting in my house, I came up with 5 that I like to call "The 5 Habits of Highly Effective Kids."




Chores
Chores

1. Chores

"You live here, too," was the phrase that made my mom famous. Turns out, she was right. It takes a lot of effort to maintain a household and everyone needs to do their part. Chores offer important lessons in accountability, life skills, and teamwork.














Hobbies
Hobbies

2. Hobbies


No matter what your child's passion is, encourage him or her to keep at it! Your child may think she's just having fun but she's learning valuable lessons in determination, patience, and hard work.














Related: 25 things every child should experience




Physical Activity
Physical Activity

3. Physical Activity

The Centers for Disease Control recommend children get at least 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. For tips on choosing physical activities for your children by ages and stages, check out Healthy Children.org's practical suggestions here.









Family Dinners
Family Dinners

4. Family Dinners

Not every family is lucky enough to have the opportunity to gather around the nightly dinner table. Strive for a good old-fashioned family meal at least once a week to come together and reconnect. Our children will grow to prioritize family in the way they've been shown.








Related: 12 things your kids must see you do




Reading
Reading

5. Reading

The Children's Reading Foundation recommends kids spend at least 20 minutes a day reading. If you have a reluctant reader, check out fun and positive ways to help your struggling reader.








- By Lori Garcia
Follow Lori on Babble


For even more habits of highly effective children, visit Babble!


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