Productivity is key to success. A productive person knows how to manage their time and complete tasks in a timely and effective manner. That said, being productive is a skill most people aren’t born with; it is something they have to learn. That’s where you, as a parent, come into play. It is important that you teach your children how to develop productive habits so that they can thrive as adults. In this article, we offer tips to help you encourage your children to develop effective habits.
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1. Make a to-do list
Do you want to teach your children to be more productive? Start each day with a to-do list. Writing a daily to-do list is known to increase productivity and improve mental health.
Chances are, as a parent, you’ve gotten used to creating your own to-do list first thing in the morning. Or maybe you prefer to make a checklist for the next day right before you go to sleep. Either way, you probably know how beneficial recording tasks can be in helping you manage your day. So consider passing this habit on to your children.
To do this, ask your children to write down what they have to do for the day. Your list should include necessities like going to school and finishing your homework. You should also include your chores, such as making the bed or doing the dishes. Once you have the necessary tasks, have your children write down fun things they would like to accomplish for fun. For example, a play date with your friends, spending an hour playing video games, etc.
Teaching your kids how to write a to-do list shows them how to prioritize their day. It can also motivate them throughout the day and offer a sense of accomplishment each time they complete a task.
2. Be smart about technology
According to a survey by Common Sense Media, 50% of teens say they are addicted to their cell phones. While there’s no denying 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 make sure your kids don’t get obsessed, teach them how to use technology productively.
Instead of letting your kids roam their devices, control what they watch and for how long. Consider downloading educational apps on your devices instead of social media. By doing this, your children will hopefully get into the habit of using technology as a tool rather than a form of environment.
After downloading the right apps, consider downloading software to monitor how much time your kids spend on social media. Even if they’re reading, you don’t want them spending hours staring at a screen. Fortunately, there are several tools that you can integrate. For example, Qustodio monitors screen time and will even block certain websites from your children’s devices. Once installed, you’ll also have access to location tracking, so you always know where your devices are.
The technology is going nowhere. That’s why teaching your kids how to use technology productively is essential. The sooner you teach this lesson, the better they will be.
3. Make exercise a priority
Contrary to popular belief, the point of working out isn’t just about looking good. While exercise can help you lose and maintain weight, it provides additional benefits. For one thing, exercise helps build strong bones and muscles, something your kids need. Exercise can also reduce the risk of disease, help maintain a positive mood, and increase energy.
Unfortunately, some kids don’t get as much exercise as they should. Thanks to technology and convenience, not all children lead active lives. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your children to prioritize exercise so they can stay healthy.
Fortunately, there are several ways to teach your children about exercise. One way is by taking advantage of after school programs. Chances are your children’s school or local community center offers team sports like soccer, dance, baseball, etc. So go ahead, sign them up.
You can also integrate exercise into your children’s daily life. For example, set aside 10 to 15 minutes each day and have your family walk around the neighborhood. You could launch a virtual yoga video and participate as a family. Whatever you choose, be sure to be consistent about it, so it becomes a habit for your children.
4. Enter housework
The best time to teach children housework is when they are young. In fact, according to research, kids who do homework are more likely to be successful later in life. That said, you shouldn’t just teach them how to do chores, show them how to do them productively. The best way to do this is through example.
Make sure you are productive with your tasks. For example, instead of taking out the trash in the middle of the night, take it out the next morning when you’re already on your way to work. Instead of spending all day cleaning the house once a month, spend a few minutes a day tidying up, so you don’t have a big mess.
After teaching your children, go ahead and give them their own chores. Again, remember that you want homework to complement your child’s age. For example, let’s say your daughter or son is only five years old. Having them make their bed, put away their toys, and water the plants would be a great place to start.
5. Teach coping methods
It’s easy to be productive when everything is going well. But what happens when something goes wrong? Maybe you’ve been hit with a curveball, or something/someone you’re working with bothers you. Your children must learn to deal with frustration when it occurs without letting it derail their productivity.
Teaching your children how to deal with frustration takes time. After all, they are just kids. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to help. For one thing, provide a safe place for your kids to express themselves when they’re upset. That might mean taking them somewhere private and asking what’s wrong. Or let them be alone for a while if that’s how they prefer to process things.
In addition to providing a safe space, be sure to praise your children when they deal with their emotions in positive ways. This type of positive reinforcement can help your children feel more comfortable and confident opening up. Remember, the goal is to teach your children to calm down instead of letting their emotions overwhelm them.
6. Make the lessons fun
Regardless of what you say or how difficult it is for you to get your message across to your children, the truth is. While children mean well, they are impulsive by nature and often need to be entertained. So instead of giving a lecture, consider using a game to encourage productivity.
For example, consider rewarding them every time your child does something productive. It could be something simple like giving them more play time or allowing them an extra dessert. Creating a reward system can motivate your children to adopt productive habits that will set them up for success in life.
Another way to make these lessons fun is to turn them into a race. For example, suppose you assign your children some chores. Tell them that you will reward the person who completes their tasks first. The more fun it is to be productive, the more likely your kids will pay attention.
For children to be successful as adults, they need to learn to be productive. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your children these vital skills. Easier said than done. TRUE? The tips above can help you prepare your children on how to use their time effectively. That said, it is essential to lead by example. After all, your children see you as a role model. To ensure that your children are productive, make sure you are effective in your daily life.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Yan Krukov; pexels; Thank you!
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