We all want the best for our kids – for them to be happy, to be secure, to be kind, to be successful in life. And parents whose children are the latter (and arguably all) have some habits in common. And, luckily, those habits are easy enough to replicate if you’ve got the desire and the time!
#10. They’re financially secure.
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Alright, so this isn’t a habit or necessarily a choice. But the unfortunate fact is, it does make a difference. 1 in 5 American children grow up in poverty, and, sadly, it limits their potential.
#9. They make their kids do chores.
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If kids aren’t doing their dishes or laundry then someone else is doing it for them – and successful people are independent and know they can make what they want to happen, happen, all on their own.
#8. They find a sweet spot when it comes to discipline.
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Not authoritarian (my way or the highway, because I said so) or permissive (a total lack of discipline), but somewhere in the middle – directing their child rationally and calmly so that even though the child has a respect for authority, they don’t feel strangled or frightened by it.
#7. They have high expectations.
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Kids who receive high expectations from their parents tend to reach for those high bars – and touch them – more often that kids who are not pushed along.
#6. They believe in grit.
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Grit is defined as “a tendency to sustain interest in and effort toward very long-term goals.” Basically, it’s about teaching kids to imagine – and commit – to a future they want to create.
#5. They have healthy relationships.
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Again, not necessarily a habit, but something to consider nonetheless. Studies have found that children who grow up in high-conflict families fare far worse than children of parents who get along well.
#4. They choose solid names.
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There’s an entire body of research on choosing a name for your child – how it can affect things like success, hireability, and even spending habits. People with common, easy to pronounce names have been found to be more successful across the board.
#3. They start teaching math at a young age.
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Studies have found that early math skills lead to better achievement later. Though math is crucial, it’s not the only skillset that’s important – early reading and other skills are positively correlated with success as well.
#2. They’re careful about screen time.
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At least one study has shown that kids who watch TV at a young age are subject to suppressed communication skills, and also that too much television time reduces communication between kids and their parents.
#1. They value effort over winning.
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They believe that their kids have the potential to grow and achieve and learn over time, so “trying harder” can mean better results. Kids’ intelligence and potential isn’t static – and not getting the best grade that one time can be an opportunity for learning or putting in more effort next time.
Where kids think success comes from also predicts their attainment.
Off to change some habits at my house!
