Boundaries, Routines And Early Bedtimes: 13 Habits That Raise Well-Adjusted Kids

Parenting can be intimidating and stressful, especially after constantly hearing and reading about how entitled, narcissistic, and lazy kids are these days. Is there any hope of raising good kids in today’s environment?

Parenting can be intimidating and stressful, especially after constantly hearing and reading about how entitled, narcissistic, and lazy kids are these days. Is there any hope of raising good kids in today’s environment?

1. Focus On Experiences

While opening presents on Christmas and birthdays is exciting for kids of all ages, how quickly do kids forget about new toys or gadgets? The more lasting memories are those of Saturday afternoon picnics, family vacations, and family game nights. Research also shows that spending quality time with kids reduces the risk of delinquent behavior later in life.

2. Chores

Giving kids the responsibility of household chores has shown to help teach kids valuable attributes such as diligence, self-reliance, time management, responsibility, and higher self-esteem.

3. Early Bedtime

It may seem insignificant, but getting kids to bed early has a great effect on their development and well being. Early bedtime not only can help improve sleep, but also improve language development, positive family function, and behavioral regulation.

4. Hugging

Getting a hug from mom and dad may be embarrassing for kids as they get older, but they will benefit from them nonetheless! Hugging is a great way to show your love and care for your children, and it can help lower the stress in their life as well.

5. Boundaries

However restrictive and painful boundaries may seem to kids, they are the very thing that will help your child truly be able to thrive. It can take time for a child to accept a family rule or boundary, but the important thing is to stick to them no matter what.

6. Routines

Routines can help even the most strong-willed kids to feel more grounded and relaxed because they have something to expect and look forward to. Having fixed meal times and bedtimes can give kids a sense of relief and peace during the day.

7. Being More Playful

Playing with children, especially young children, is one of the best ways to show that you love them. It can also be a great outlet for stress for you and your child after a, particularly emotional or difficult day.

8. Slow Days

Most parents are used to being busy every moment of the day and have the tendency to put this same burden on their children. Taking a day or two out of the week to really slow down and allow your child to simply explore, relax, and live, can have lasting positive effects.

9. Books

Don’t underestimate the power of reading with your children! Books have been proven to help extend vocabulary, stimulate conversation, promote brain development, and improve attention control.

10. Music

Just as literature is helpful for child development, so is music. Studies have shown that children who learn to play music have increased cognitive abilities. There is a benefit to all those years of piano lessons!

11. Outside Time

There is something about exploring in the great outdoors that does wonders for a child, even if just in the backyard. Encouraging your kids to spend more time outside can help them to increase physical activity, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and improve their emotional well-being.

12. Less Screen Time

Time spent on electronics is becoming more and more popular every day. On average, kids ages 8-18 spend seven and a half hours a day on entertainment media. Setting boundaries with your kids and helping them limit their time spent on electronics can greatly improve their mood, cognitive ability, and time management.

13. Empathy

Being able to put yourself in another person’s shoes is extremely powerful. Showing empathy for your children can help promote kindness, moral courage, and acceptance toward others. It may very well be the most important lesson your child learns in his life.

Conclusion

Parenting can be exhausting, especially after looking at a list of 13 more things to do with your children! The most important thing, however, is to find the routines and habits that work for you and your family and focus on those. And don’t forget to follow your instincts. You are the most qualified to know what your child needs to become who they are meant to become.