Productivity is the key to success. A productive person knows how to manage his time and complete tasks in a timely and effective manner. That said, being productive is a skill most people aren’t born with; it’s something they have to learn. That’s where you, as a parent, come into play. It’s important that you teach your kids how to build productive habits so they can thrive in adulthood. In this article, we provide tips to help you encourage your children to build effective habits.
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1. Make a to-do list
Do you want to teach your kids to be more productive? Start every day with a to-do list. Writing down a list of daily tasks is known to increase productivity and improving one’s mental health.
Chances are, as a parent, you’ve gotten used to making your own to-do list first thing in the morning. Or maybe you prefer make a checklist for the next day just before going to sleep. Either way, you probably know how helpful recording tasks can be in helping you manage your day. So consider passing this habit on to your kids.
To do this, have your kids write down what they need to do that day. Their list should include necessities such as going to school and finishing their homework. It should also include their duties such as making their bed or doing the dishes. Once you have completed the necessary tasks, have your kids write fun things that they would like to do for fun. For example, a play date with their friends, playing video games for an hour, etc.
Teaching your kids how to write a to-do list will teach them how to prioritize their day. It can also motivate them throughout the day and give them a sense of accomplishment when they complete a task.
2. Be smart with technology
According to a poll conducted by Common Sense Media, 50% of teenagers say they are addicted to their cell phone. While it’s undeniable that technology plays a vital role in the world, it can also be incredibly harmful. Technology addiction can lead to anxiety, depression, and a host of other mental and physical problems. To keep your kids from becoming obsessed, teach them to use technology productively.
Instead of letting your kids roam freely with their devices, you can control what they’re looking at and for how long. Consider downloading educational apps on their devices rather than social media. By doing this, hopefully your kids will get into the habit of using technology as a tool rather than a form of environment.
Once you’ve downloaded the appropriate apps, consider downloading software to track how long your kids spend on social media. Even if they’re reading, you don’t want them staring at a screen for hours on end. Fortunately, there are several tools you can integrate. Qustodio, for example, tracks screen time and even blocks certain websites from your kids’ devices. Once installed, you’ll also have access to location tracking, so you’ll always know where their devices are.
Technology isn’t going anywhere. That is why it is essential to teach your children how to use technology productively. The sooner you learn this lesson, the better off they are.
3. Make exercise a priority
Contrary to popular belief, exercising isn’t just about looking good. While exercise can help you lose and maintain weight, it provides additional benefits. First, exercise helps build strong bones and muscles — something your kids need. Exercise can also reduce the risk of illness, help maintain a positive mood and boost energy.
Unfortunately, some kids don’t get nearly enough exercise as they should. Thanks to technology and convenience, not every child has an active life. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your children to prioritize exercise so they can stay healthy.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can do this teach your kids about exercise. One way is by using after-school programs. Chances are, your kids’ school or local community center offers team sports like soccer, dance, baseball, etc. So go ahead and sign up.
You can also integrate movement into your children’s daily practice. For example, set aside 10-15 minutes daily and let your family walk around the neighborhood. You can set up a virtual yoga video and join in as a family. Whatever you choose, be consistent with it so that it becomes a habit for your kids.
4. Introduce Household Chores
The best time to teach children household chores is when they are young. Research shows that children who do chores are more likely to to be successful later in life. That said, don’t just teach them how to do chores – show them how to do them productively. The best way to do that is through an example.
Make sure you are productive with your chores. For example, instead of taking out the trash in the middle of the night, put it out the next morning when you’re already on your way to work. Instead of cleaning the house all day once a month, spend a few minutes a day tidying up so you don’t have a big mess.
After teaching your kids, you can assign them their own household chores. Again, remember that you want the task to be appropriate for your child’s age. For example, let’s say your daughter or son is only five years old. If they make their beds, put away their toys and water the plants, that would be a great place to start.
5. Learn Coping Methods
It’s easy to be productive when everything is going as planned. But what happens if something goes wrong? Maybe you get a curveball, or something/someone you work with upsets you. Your children need to learn to deal with frustration when it arises without derailing their productivity.
Teaching your children to deal with frustration takes time. After all, they are just children. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to help. For example, provide a safe place for your children to express themselves when they are upset. That might mean taking them to a private place and asking them what’s going on. Or let them be alone for a while if they want to process things that way.
In addition to providing a safe space, praise your children for handling their emotions positively. This kind of positive reinforcement can help your kids feel more comfortable and confident about opening up. Remember, the goal is to teach your children to calm down rather than let their emotions overwhelm them.
6. Make lessons fun
Regardless of what you say or how you may struggle to get your message across to your children, the truth is. Although children mean well, they are impulsive by nature and usually have a need for entertainment. So instead of giving lectures, consider using a game to boost productivity.
For example, consider rewarding them every time your child does something productive. It could be something as simple as giving them more play time or giving them extra dessert. Creating a reward system can motivate your kids to adopt productive habits that prepare them for success in life.
Another way to make these lessons fun is to make them a race. For example, let’s say you assign your kids a few chores. Tell them you’re rewarding the person who finishes their chores first. The more fun you make it to be productive, the more likely your kids are to pay attention.
For children to be successful in adulthood, they must learn to be productive. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your children these essential skills. Easier said than done, right? The above tips can help you prepare your kids to use their time effectively. That said, it’s essential to lead by example. After all, your children see you as a role model. In order for your children to be productive, you must ensure that you are effective in your daily life.
Featured Image Credits: Photo by Yan Krukov; Pexels; Thank you!
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