I recently learned that it takes 21 days of repetitive action to create a new habit. So, when it comes to instilling good habits in children, we parents have plenty of time. In fact, if we are super efficient, we can get our kids into good habits at a rate of 17 new good habits each year (with a few extra days to, you know, relax and eat too much ice cream).

So, if you start the process at, say, age 3, by the time they go off to college you will have raised the GREATEST CHILD EVER and a stone cold ice cream fiend.

Get started on your good habit parenting quest with these best good habits shared by the dads and moms of our Facebook page.

What is a good habit you want your kid to have?

Posted by Life of Dad on Friday, January 27, 2017

POSITIVITY

Justin Delaney: If they have a big goal, to go after it with a positive mindset and no quit attitude. I want them to learn this young. Took me far too long to realize this myself.

Kane Wright: I want them to believe nothing is impossible. I want them to fly higher than I ever could have.

SACRIFICE

Keith Gulick: To know the importance of sacrifice. To succeed at work, gotta sacrifice time, to win a girls heart gotta sacrifice money, time, and trust. Everything takes a sacrifice of some sort. Nothing is free.

COURTESY

Robert Webb: Giving the courtesy wave to other drivers on the road when they let you in their lane, or let you pass them.

Haden DeSpain: Be kind and courteous all the time. That was one we really encouraged and now she is the most kind kid to everyone she meets. It’s good to get that instilled at a young age.

READING

J Luis Sanchez: When I was a kid I used to love to read I was always very good with spelling and he’s picking it up but can do so much better. He’s 8, in 3rd grade.

Andy Rentfrow: I very much want him to have the joy of reading. My passion for reading is what made me the person I am today.

RESPONSIBILITY

Michael Orr: I want them to take responsibility for them selves so much it’s a habit.

RESPECT

Giz Keener: Respect for our fellow man, no matter race, religion or sexual orientation.

EMPATHY

Dervish Mustafa: Compassion because there is a complete lack of it in this world these days.

Kristie Reichert Herringshaw: Empathy. I think that helps many other good habits/behaviors happen.

What good habit are you trying to instill in your children? Share your best good habit with us on Facebook.

*Flickr photo by Quinn Dombrowksi, used under Creative Commons license.