Cultivating Character: A Journey with Covey's 7 Habits of Happy Kids
Hey there, fellow parents and educators! Today, I want to share a personal journey I've been on with my 9-year-old son, who is bursting with creativity and energy. As a preschool teacher with over two decades of experience, I've always believed in the power of nurturing good habits early on, but it's a whole new adventure when it's your own child.
Enter Sean Covey's wonderful book, "The 7 Habits of Happy Kids." It's been a game-changer for both my son and me. I personally recommend reading this book with your school aged children. Let me take you on our habit-formation journey.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Proactivity, the first habit, teaches kids to take charge of their choices. For my spirited son, this meant teaching him that he has the power to control his reactions and feelings, even in challenging situations. We used real-life scenarios and discussed alternative responses. It was like a lightbulb moment for him!
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind
For my imaginative boy, setting goals was key. Covey's second habit encourages children to visualize their dreams and plan accordingly. We created a vision board together, filled with pictures and drawings of his aspirations. It's now proudly hanging in his room, a constant reminder of where he's headed.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Time management is a tricky concept for kids. But with the third habit, we broke it down into a simple checklist. Homework first, then play. It's a mantra he now repeats to himself, making after-school routines smoother and more productive.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
This habit has helped my son navigate playdates and sibling squabbles. Instead of focusing on 'my way or the highway,' he now looks for solutions where everyone wins. It's heartwarming to see him mediate disputes with fairness and empathy.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Active listening was a challenge, but the fifth habit transformed the way he communicates. We practiced mirroring conversations with toys, teaching him the art of truly understanding before expressing himself.
Habit 6: Synergize
As a kid who thrives on creativity, synergy came naturally. We embarked on collaborative art projects, reinforcing the idea that we can achieve more together than alone. It's been fantastic watching him thrive in group settings.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Lastly, we've learned that self-care isn't just for adults. Covey's final habit, 'sharpen the saw,' teaches kids to take care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We established routines for exercise, reading, and relaxation, helping him become more aware of his needs.
But the real icing on the cake has been the Interactive Habit-Building Worksheets. These have made the learning process incredibly engaging for my son. Each habit has its own worksheet, filled with colorful activities and prompts that reinforce the concepts. They've transformed habit-building from a chore into a fun adventure.
In conclusion, teaching these habits through Covey's book and the Interactive Habit-Building Worksheets has been a transformative experience for both of us. My son is growing into a responsible, empathetic, and self-aware young boy, and I'm learning more about parenting and teaching every day.
I have made this printable FREE for a limited time and I am inviting you to try them out too. Let’s begin this school year or homeschool year on the right foot!
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As parents and educators, we have the amazing opportunity to shape the next generation. And with resources like this, the journey becomes not just enriching but also a whole lot of fun.
Here's to a future filled with happy, habit-formed kids!
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