20 Good Habits for Kids (& Simple Ways to Teach Them)

 What are good habits in kids?

We all want to set our kids up for a happy, healthy life. One that they maneuver with grace through life’s ups and downs.

*Note: Please don't try to teach the entire list of good kid habits at the same time! Embed some in routines and use others as valuable to dos during long breaks from school.

Good Habits for Preschool

First, we start with the littles! (If your kids are older, skip ahead!)

Often parents wonder what is helpful for kids to know going into preschool and kindergarten. In this section, we focus on life skills and habits instead of academic to-dos (numbers, shapes, etc).

1.    Get Dressed IndependentlyTeaching independence is a big part of the preschool age! Helping kids learn to dress themselves and put on their own shoes gives them confidence (and gives parents breathing room too).

2. Put on Jacket

As an extension, many preschools focus specifically on teaching the child to put a coat, gloves, and hat on by themselves. Take it a step further by packing their backpack together before school.

3. Listen

Listening is a life skill that starts early. According to the American College of Education, the best way for you to help your child with listening is by listening to them.

Additionally, they suggest you give short multi-step directions, read them stories on topics they are interested in, and teach whole body listening.

4. Wash Hands

Washing hands well has never been more important!

For a year or two, I put up a paper in my kids’ bathroom reminding them of the steps needed. (My son liked to skip it – we had to become more intentional)

• Wet your hands
• Get soap
• Rub hands together
• Rub hands together under water
• Rinse off all the soap
• Dry hands with a towel

5. Go Potty

Of course, potty training is a right of passage for everyone. Getting your child to go on the potty not only helps them become independent, but also saves you a lot of money on diapers.

6. Fine Motor Skills

Next, kids need to develop a good foundation for their fine motor skills at this age.

This includes using scissors but also hand-eye coordination and learning a pincer grasp (useful for holding a pencil later). 

7. Share and Take Turns

Sharing is tough, but if they learn to play cooperatively, negotiate, and cope with disappointment now, they’ll be in MUCH better shape later on. Try setting a timer for taking turns to help take the pressure off of both of you.

8. Imaginative Play

In this day and age, it’s tempting to direct our kids’ play. There are a million activities online that do this. But it’s important for kids to have plenty of unstructured free time so they learn to use their imagination and develop cooperative play skills.

9. Tie Shoes

Finally, for our little ones, tying shoes is a kindergarten skill that helps kids gain independence. It also builds their fine motor skills, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination so it aids in overall development.

Healthy Habits For Kids

Next, these good kids habits help build strong bodies and minds. The truth is, we are surrounded by temptations often. If we can build a solid health foundation in our kids we could be giving them YEARS of better living.

10. Eat Healthy Foods

First, a healthy lifestyle starts (and ends) with food. Sometimes that’s easier said than done when it comes to our kids!

To build healthy food habits include multiple vegetable options at meals. That way, if they don’t want to eat something, they have something else available that’s good for them. Keep meals colorful, limit processed food snacks, and try smoothies or other recipes that make healthy eating fun.

11. Educate Kids About Food

There are a TON of misleading labels on our food. As they get older, show your kids how to look at the nutrition labels and evaluate the true value of their food. Ask questions like…

 What’s in this food? Can you pronounce it?

How much sugar is in this? Is that number a lot?

12. Drink Water

Getting into the habit of drinking water instead of soda and juice is a small thing that saves a TON of struggles later on. Just make it a rule that juice is for special occasions and you don’t drink soda.

13. Stay Active

Next, keep kids moving while they’re young, and they’ll be more drawn to movement later on.

There are two great ways to do this:

1. Sign them up for physical activities they are interested in.
2. Get moving as a family! Take family walks after dinner or weekly bike rides and reap the benefits of fresh air, quality connection time, and being fit together.

14. Be Outside

Spending time outside reduces stress and improves your mood and focus. If kids learn to love the great outdoors early, they’ll also be more respectful and appreciative of the beauty that our world offers.

15. Eat Breakfast

Next, kids need the energy that breakfast provides. So, a healthy first meal gives them a bright daily start and also teaches them to start their days off right.

Try a whole foods approach like…

 

• Eggs with spinach
• Oatmeal with fruit
• A smoothie
• Fruit and almond butter

16. Pack a Healthy Lunch

Finally, imagine a child that learned to pack a healthy lunch as a kid. What a booster as an adult (both to health and money management)!

To teach this kids habit, have your kids help you make lunches! Have them pick a fruit and vegetable to go with their main item, and do it regularly.

Good Habits for Kids at Home

17. Do Chores

Everyone in your household should contribute to the greater good. It’s important to teach children that you are part of a team that works together. Plus, regular chores teach kids household skills and the value of hard work.

18. Learn to Cook

As an adult, the habit I wish I had learned more of was cooking. 15 years later, my husband is still a better cook than I am, and I’m convinced it’s because he cooked a lot as a kid.

 Even teaching your child the basics like making eggs and spaghetti gives them a foundation down the road.

19. Money Management

Teaching your kids to properly handle money can mean the difference between chasing money their whole lives or being a millionaire. These habits start early and make a profound difference in the long run!

Start with an allowance system and guide them with their decisions on what to save, spend, and give. As they grow, discuss the basics of big expenses, the stock market, and your financial dreams.

20. Pick Up

If you can teach kids to keep things tidy early, you’ve won a long-term battle! Often, this is a regular habit of putting your plate away or picking up toys after playing with them.