Raising successful children isn’t about controlling their every move. It’s about guiding them towards healthy habits and away from unproductive ones.

We all want our kids to reach their full potential and sometimes, it’s the smallest things that can make the biggest difference. What they do first thing in the morning can set the tone for the rest of the day.

I’ve found there are seven common morning habits that can hinder your child’s success. And trust me, you’d want to steer them clear from these.

1) Skipping breakfast

When it comes to setting your child up for success, what they do first thing in the morning matters, and that includes eating a healthy breakfast.

We’ve all heard it said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but do we truly understand why? A nutritious breakfast kick-starts the brain, fuels the body and sets the tone for your child’s day.

Imagine trying to start a car with an empty gas tank. That’s essentially what your child is trying to do when they skip breakfast. They’re attempting to navigate their day without the necessary fuel.

Now, I’m not suggesting they need a five-course meal. Even a simple, balanced breakfast can do wonders for their cognitive function and overall productivity.

2) Starting the day with screens

I’ll admit it, it’s an easy trap to fall into. Our house used to be a symphony of morning cartoons and video games. But then I started noticing how my kids’ moods were affected by this early exposure to screens.

They were more irritable, less focused, and their creativity seemed stifled. Plus, they weren’t as physically active as they should be. So we made a rule – no screens before school.

The change was remarkable. After a few days of adjustment, my kids started the day more alert and ready to engage with the world around them. They even started playing more creatively and were more cooperative about getting ready for school.

If you want your kids to grow up successful, encourage them to start their day away from screens. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

3) Neglecting physical activity

Physical activity is more than just about staying fit. Did you know that it also boosts brain function? A 2013 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that a morning workout can improve attention, visual learning, and decision-making skills.

Unfortunately, a lot of children start their day sitting down – at breakfast, in the car or bus on the way to school, and then at their desks.

Encourage your kids to move around first thing in the morning. It can be as simple as doing some stretches, jumping jacks, or even a quick walk around the block. This can kickstart their metabolism and get their brain cells firing, setting them up for a successful day.

4) Waking up at the last minute

We’ve all been there – the alarm goes off, and you hit the snooze button one too many times. Before you know it, you’re rushing around trying to get ready and out the door on time.

This kind of frantic morning routine can set a chaotic tone for the rest of the day. It also robs kids of valuable time to mentally prepare for their day.

Teach your kids the value of waking up a little earlier. This extra time in the morning allows them to leisurely prepare for their day, reducing stress and promoting a more positive mindset.

Developing this habit early on can set them up for a lifetime of success. After all, many successful people are known for their early morning routines.

5) Neglecting personal hygiene

When I was younger, I thought morning showers were a waste of time. I mean, why clean yourself just to get dirty again, right? Wrong. As I grew older, I realized that personal hygiene is more than just about cleanliness.

Starting the day with a shower or even just a face wash isn’t merely about physical cleanliness. It’s also about mental clarity. The act of washing away the sleepiness helps your child feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Incorporating personal hygiene into their morning routine can also teach them discipline and responsibility – two important traits for success in life. Plus, they’ll feel good about themselves, and that’s a great way to start the day.

6) Skipping out on quiet time

In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise and activity, having a few moments of quiet can be incredibly beneficial.

Quiet time in the morning gives your child a chance to gather their thoughts and mentally prepare for the day ahead. It helps them develop focus, encourages self-reflection, and can even boost their creativity.

This doesn’t mean they have to meditate or do anything specific, though those can be great options. Even just spending a few minutes looking out the window, drawing, or writing in a journal can make a difference.

Encouraging your kids to start their day with some quiet time can help them cultivate mindfulness, a valuable tool for success in life.

7) Starting the day with negativity

The way your child starts their day can set the tone for everything that follows. Starting the day with negative thoughts or complaints can put them in a bad mood, making them less likely to be productive or engaged throughout the day.

Encourage your child to start their day with positivity. This could be as simple as thinking of something they’re grateful for, setting a positive intention for the day, or even just smiling.

Starting the day with a positive mindset not only boosts mood, but also fosters resilience and promotes a healthy outlook on life – all essential components of success.

Final thoughts: It’s about habits

The foundation of success often lies in the everyday habits we cultivate. This is especially true when it comes to our children and their morning routines.

What might seem like trivial tasks – eating breakfast, avoiding screens, getting physical activity, waking up earlier, taking care of personal hygiene, having quiet time, and starting the day with positivity – can have profound effects on their future success.

These habits not only set the tone for their day but also shape their character, discipline, and overall outlook on life.

The philosopher Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

By guiding our children to nurture these positive morning habits, we are setting them on a path towards excellence and success. It’s a journey that begins with how they start each day.

As parents and caregivers, our role is to lead by example and provide the necessary guidance. It may not always be easy, but remember – the seeds you sow today can yield a fruitful harvest in the future.