Top Five Habits for Highly Successful Kids

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, instilling good habits in children from a young age is essential for their future success. As parents, teachers, or caregivers, we play a crucial role in shaping the habits and behaviors of the next generation. Here are the top five habits that highly successful kids possess:

1. Practicing gratitude:

Saying a gratefulness prayer as soon as they wake up in the morning.

‘God, thank you for this new day.’

That is enough. That is the basic minimum.

When was the last time you said thank you to someone with feelings? Studies have shown that practicing gratitude consciously can reduce stress and anxiety.  It also enriches one’s life, improves relationships and even one’s capacity to deal with crises. It has a very strong connection with emotional and social well-being. In fact, in a study conducted by Martin Elias Peter Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania, who is one of the pioneers of Positive Psychology, it was found that a single act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms. It is important to know that these effects are not permanent, so gratitude has to be practiced continuously. Remember to thank the other person fully meaning it, looking into their eyes and saying their name. Sounds like hard work? Well, with practice, you will see that it is not hard at all.

2. Making their bed every morning

Why make your bed? Any way you have to sleep again tonight! Well, successful kids do not think so. They make their bed as soon as they wake up, and that single act of discipline sets the tone for the entire day. It is, after all, one task accomplished for the day.  It is also a huge incentive to keep the rest of your bedroom, and by extension, your life on that day, in order. If this is practiced right from childhood, it will stay with you for life.  Also, it needs discipline to make your bed when all you want is to rush out and ask your mother for breakfast. So, you are flexing your discipline muscles and training them when you habitually make your bed.

3. Brushing teeth in the morning and before sleep at night.

Nowadays, almost all young boys and girls have dental problems. Brushing the teeth becomes a ritual to get over with. Don’t you want disease-free teeth and gums?

• No matter where you are, even if you are in a rush, brush your teeth at least twice a day – once in the morning right after waking up, and right before sleep at night.
• Your brushing should last at least two minutes. This is about the length of the ‘Happy Birthday song, sung two times through. You can hum it in your head.
• Make sure you scrub all the surfaces of the teeth and gums
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Use only a ‘soft’ brush.
• Do not brush too hard.
• Do not brush immediately after eating
• Rinse and air your toothbrush. Rinse your toothbrush well after every use. Store it upright giving it a chance to air out fully. Do not store in a glass with liquid or in airtight containers.
• Do not brush horizontally. Brush with a gentle, circular motion, never horizontally. Horizontal brushing can damage the gums.

4. Polite manners

Offering help at home or helping an old lady carry her groceries are all hallmarks of a well-brought-up child. In addition, successful kids know and use polite expressions and greetings in appropriate situations:

• ‘Good morning’ (from 12 am to 12 pm)
• ‘Good afternoon’ (from 12.01 pm to 6 pm)
• ‘Good evening!’ (after 6 pm)
• “How’s your day going?”
• “My name is [name]. What’s yours?”
• “Nice to meet you.”
• “I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
• “I beg your pardon.”
• “I apologize for my mistake.”
• “My sincere apologies.”
• “Thank you for your help.”
• “I’m so thankful for your help.”
• “I’m grateful for your support.”
• “I truly appreciate your assistance.”

5. Being organized

Successful kids are organized.

• They get their ironed uniforms, socks and shoes ready, and also pack their bag for school the following day.
• They follow a system or timetable so that there is enough time for doing homework, house chores and playing with their friends.
• They have a more or less fixed time for sleep and for waking up.
• Their rooms and study tables are tidy.
• They have a calendar in their room on the wall or on their study table on which they note down important dates like birthdays, examinations, tests, project submission dates etc.
• They can clean their own room every now and then.

In conclusion, instilling these top five habits in children can set them up for a lifetime of success and fulfillment. By nurturing their growth mindset, love for learning, resilience, goal-setting skills, and values of gratitude and kindness, you can help your child thrive in all areas of life. Remember that every child is unique, so tailor your approach to their individual needs and interests. Together, we can empower the next generation to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.