1. Reading: The Most Profitable Investment in One’s Life
The educator Vasyl Olexandrovych Sukhomlynsky once said, “A child who does not read books is a potential underachiever in learning.” This statement is absolutely true.
According to statistics, children who have the habit of reading books usually have relatively high academic achievements. In fact, 80% of university valedictorians love to read.
The habit of reading should begin during pregnancy. Mothers can rub their belly while reading books to their unborn child, allowing the fetus to experience the rhythm and melody of language.
When the child is one year old, parents should spend 20 minutes before bedtime allowing the child to enjoy the pleasures of reading. After the age of five, you can start teaching the child to recognize letters, equipping them with the skills to read books independently.
Children who enjoy reading will develop a rich ideology, a mature and logical way of thinking, and will not easily fall into prejudice and stubbornness. The habit of reading also cultivates an independent personality in them. Reading is not only a good habit and a source of knowledge, but it also helps children see their inner selves and feel life.
The habit of reading is a significant factor in a person’s success. If your child has the habit of reading, especially books by sages from a young age, then they will surely become an outstanding person in the future.
Therefore, parents should cultivate the habit of reading in their children from a young age. This is the only way to promise them a bright future.
2. Developing the Habit of Punctuality
There is a saying that “A punctual person may not necessarily be outstanding, but an outstanding person is definitely punctual.” This is because punctuality is a manifestation of a sense of responsibility and discipline, giving others a sense of trust and reliability.
In an art class, there were two children who had completely opposite habits. One boy was often late and acted indifferently when criticized. He was lazy every day.
The other girl was diligent, arrived early, and was always on time. She would arrange her supplies on the table and quietly wait for the teacher. Once, when it rained heavily, all the other students stayed home, but only the girl and her mother went to class.
Thanks to her punctuality, diligence, and dedication, the girl’s drawing skills improved greatly, while the lazy boy’s drawings remained as clumsy as before. Everyone who saw this went to ask the girl’s mother for advice.
At that time, her mother shared: “For children, learning depends not only on talent but also on attitude. I only ask my child to be serious about everything they do, and the premise for serious learning is to be punctual.”
For young children, punctuality is a reflection of their time management skills and helps them learn and live in a planned and responsible manner. Furthermore, from their adherence to time, we can see a person’s educational background and upbringing.
In life, meticulousness is a factor that determines success or failure. Therefore, teach young children how to follow schedules from the moment they begin to understand time.
3. The Importance of Exercise
Western education systems have always regarded physical exercise as an elite education. British experts also point out that children aged 1.5 to 5 should exercise for at least 3 hours a day.
After school, parents should not rush their children to do their homework. Instead, let them participate in sports such as jumping rope, badminton, or volleyball, or involve them in household chores. This helps children stay active and develops the habit of sharing tasks with others.
This approach not only relieves stress but also contributes to height development, prevents nearsightedness, and avoids obesity.
The story goes that there was a boy who used to be timid and lacked self-confidence because of his weak body. One time, the class organized a long jump competition. The boy unexpectedly won first place and was praised by his friends and teachers. From then on, he not only became more cheerful but also took the initiative to actively socialize with others.
Exercise allows children to demonstrate their abilities and strength, and it provides them with opportunities to build self-esteem and confidence within the group.
In reality, the benefits of exercise, though invisible to the naked eye, can be deeply felt by the soul.
4. Teaching Children the Habit of Organization
A study at Harvard Business School found that children with clean and organized desks tend to have outstanding academic performance, open personalities, and focused and persistent work habits.
On the contrary, children who often leave their belongings in disarray and are lazy and unmotivated lack the habit of organization and do not achieve many accomplishments or develop many virtues.
The Japanese place great importance on teaching the habit of organization. From a young age, children in Japan are taught about organization and orderliness through simple tasks such as putting toys back in their place, arranging their school bags for the next day, and tidying up their desks and bedrooms.
Parents should not underestimate the benefits of these small tasks. Organization can help children develop their observation skills, work ethic, and sense of discipline, and it creates an environment where they can “tidy up” their negative emotions from their subconscious.
An organizing expert from South Korea once tried to organize a child’s room. However, when he arrived, he was shocked by the “disaster” in the room: Books and toys were scattered everywhere, clothes were hung haphazardly, and the desk was cluttered with items.
The child’s mother could not help but complain: “I tell him to read books all day, but he doesn’t like to. I don’t know what else to do.”
However, in such a cluttered room, how could any child be calm enough to focus and concentrate on creating or learning?
With determination, the expert began cleaning up. After a while, the child himself helped him throw away trash and tidy up. After a few hours, the room was clean and organized.
At that moment, the child sat down at his desk and started reading a book with great interest, even forgetting that there was someone else in the room. The act of organizing a room had filled the child with motivation to learn. It was truly amazing.
The ability to organize is essential for raising a successful child.
Children who know how to organize their belongings can manage knowledge. Those who can plan their space well can also plan their lives well.