Art Credit: Big Triumph
Habit is something that we do often & almost without thinking. It could be any activity that we consider important & want it to become a part of our daily routine. However, developing a new habit could be tough, especially for children. As a parent or guardian, we could follow the following steps and help children adopt as well as grow a new healthy habit:-
Start slow
Initially, assign only a few minutes for the new habit. It could be as low as 2 to 5 minutes only! Children wouldn’t resist as it won’t take a lot of time. Example, a 5 minute reading session.
Keep it simple
At the beginning, ask the children to perform a very easy task related to the habit you want them to develop. One simple task at a time would help to generate interest in the new habit. Example, read 5 sentences.
Don’t skip
Ensure that the short & simple tasks are repeated everyday. There shouldn’t be any back to back blank days. Persistence will make it easy to become part of the routine.
Reward
It would be fun, engaging & enjoyable for children if you could reward them after completing the assigned tasks. This would create a sense of achievement & it would encourage children to take up the next challenge with enthusiasm. Example, give children their favorite cookie after they complete the allotted reading task.
Scale with time
With every passing day, increase the duration and intensity of the tasks. A gradual increment would make it easier for children to adopt & assimilate the new habit.
