Most parents are focused on raising their children to grow up to be strong, kind and well-adjusted adults. The truth is though, the path to becoming a principled and ethical adult, begins when your children are very young. Creating habits that raise well-adjusted kids is crucial to their upbringing.

When it comes to shaping our children, there are habits that we must create. These habits are more important in shaping our children than the techniques we use to transform their behaviours in the moment.

10 Habits That Raise Well-Adjusted Kids

1.      Boundaries

Boundaries help your child to feel grounded and safe in an otherwise chaotic world. While your children may initially push back against boundaries, sticking to your guns will help them to come to respect them, and you.

2.      Bedtime Routines

While sticking to a bedtime routine may seem like small potatoes, it is important to ensure that your children are going to bed on time. Quality sleep is essential for your child’s brain development, allowing them to grow, make better choices and be healthy.

3.      Your Behaviour

As with most things, your children watch what you do far more than they listen to what you say. The way you behave, treat others and care for yourself will be the way your children learn to do the same. Model the behaviour you wish to see from them. Show them how you want them to behave, they are little mirrors.

4.      Responsibilities

It is incredibly important to give children responsibilities in life. Of course, ensuring these responsibilities are age appropriate is crucial. Allowing children to take responsibility of household chores, homework and even helping with other daily tasks will teach them valuable life lessons that help them to grow into well-adjusted young people.

5.      Atmosphere

The atmosphere of the home your children are growing up in, is incredibly important. Your home should be a safe, inviting, and loving place for every member of your family. When we create a positive atmosphere at home, our children greatly benefit from it.

6.      Involvement

Be involved in your child’s life. This means spending more time experiencing things with them rather than showering them with gifts. Real, meaningful experiences and just knowing that you are there for them will help your children to grow up with a good understanding of real love and connection.

7.      Affection

Showering your children with affection will help your children know they are loved. Hugs and snuggles help to eliminate stress and aid your children in their growth. It is important to show your children affection as many times as possible throughout the day.

8.      Understanding

Your children will make mistakes sometimes, and that is OK. They may also experience heartbreak and sadness throughout their lives. It is important that you provide your children with a place they can express themselves openly and give them your understanding when they do. While it may be tempting to fix things, or criticize them when something goes wrong, your understanding will go a long way.

9.      Playtime

Playing with your children is a great way to facilitate a deep connection with them. Do something they love with them and watch their faces light up. With our lives being so busy, sometimes we forget to enjoy the simple things in life. Get down on the floor and play a game with your little one. This will help to reduce their stress, and yours.

10. Take Care of Yourself

Parents can get so busy taking care of their family that they forget to take care of themselves. Not only will taking some time do something you enjoy help to give you more patience when dealing with your children, but they will see how important it is to take care of yourself, allowing them to grow into well-adjusted adults.

While raising well-adjusted kids might seem like a difficult task, it doesn’t have to be. Stick to habits that raise well-adjusted kids, and things will just naturally fall into place.