As parents, we all want to give our kids the best start in life. But how do we do that? Is there a secret recipe to ensure our children will reach their full potential?

Well, in my experience (as a father and now grandfather) it’s not so much a secret as it is a foundation…a foundation of key habits that can set your child up for success. 

Today, we explore four such habits. 

Of course, every child is unique and these habits aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. But they offer a solid starting point, a roadmap if you will, to navigating the complex world of personal growth and interpersonal relationships.

1) Embracing curiosity

Remember when your children were toddlers, and they would constantly ask “why?” It was their way of making sense of the world around them. They were naturally curious, eager to understand how things work.

As they grow older, it’s crucial that we nurture this natural curiosity rather than stifling it. Encourage them to ask questions, to seek answers, and to never stop learning.

Knowledge, after all, is power. And a child who is empowered with knowledge, who has a thirst for understanding, is a child who will be able to navigate the complexities of life with greater ease.

Experts back this up, too. For instance, the World Economic Forum ranked “curiosity and lifelong learning” as the fifth most important core skill for workers in their Future Of Jobs Report 2023. 

So how do we do this? Start by showing interest in what they’re curious about. If they ask a question you don’t know the answer to, don’t dismiss it. Instead, explore the answer together. This not only feeds their curiosity but also teaches them the valuable habit of seeking knowledge.

It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about teaching them how to find them. And that’s a habit that will serve them well throughout their lives.

2) Practicing gratitude

This is a big one that I think many of us overlook.

Experts at Verywell Mind have noted, “Gratitude has a strong positive impact on psychological well-being… It increases self-esteem, enhances positive emotions, and makes us more optimistic.” Surely, these are things we all want for our kids, right?

So why not start by building this habit with them?

It could be as simple as creating a gratitude journal where they write down one thing they’re thankful for each day. Or making it part of your nightly routine—before bed, ask them to share something that made them happy that day. 

Even small moments of gratitude, like saying “thank you” more often or appreciating the little things, can rewire the brain for greater happiness and resilience.

3) Delaying gratification

In a world of instant gratification, teaching children the value of patience and self-control is one of the most powerful lessons we can give them. 

In fact, the ability to delay gratification—the skill of resisting an immediate reward in favor of a greater future benefit—is strongly linked to success in nearly every area of life, from academic achievement to career advancement and even personal relationships.

One of the most famous studies on this subject is the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment, conducted by psychologist Walter Mischel in the 1960s. In this study, children were given a simple choice: eat one marshmallow immediately or wait and receive two marshmallows later. 

Researchers then followed these children for decades and found that those who had been able to wait tended to have better academic performance, better social skills, and even better responses to stress. 

So how can we instill this habit in our children?

Encourage them to save their allowance for something meaningful rather than spending it immediately. Set goals that require patience, like finishing a book before buying a new one. Celebrate their efforts when they choose long-term rewards over short-term pleasure.

And most importantly, model delayed gratification in your own life—kids learn best by watching what we do.

4) Proper goal setting

Last but not least, teaching children how to set and work toward goals is a skill that will serve them for life.

Too often, we assume kids will naturally develop goal-setting skills as they grow—but like anything else, it’s something that needs to be taught and practiced. 

Setting goals helps children develop focus, discipline, and resilience. It also gives them a sense of accomplishment, boosting their confidence as they achieve what they set out to do.

A great way to introduce this habit is through the SMART framework—goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of a vague goal like “I want to get better at soccer,” help them refine it into something more actionable: “I will practice dribbling for 15 minutes every day for the next month.”

The key is to start small and build momentum. Encourage them to set goals in different areas of life—academics, hobbies, friendships, or even personal growth. Celebrate their progress, and more importantly, teach them that setbacks are part of the journey. 

And just like with delayed gratification, kids learn best by example. If they see you setting goals, working toward them, and staying committed, they’ll naturally adopt the habit themselves.

Planting the seeds for a brighter future

By fostering these four habits—curiosity, gratitude, delayed gratification, and goal setting—we give our children a strong foundation for success. 

And while there’s no foolproof formula for raising high-achievers, these habits provide a guiding framework to help them navigate life with confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning.

The best way to teach these habits? Lead by example. Your kids are always watching, and the lessons you instill today will shape their future in ways you may not even realize.

Here’s to raising curious, grateful, and determined kids—one habit at a time.