What’s the Best Way to Teach Good Habits to Little Kids?
In her reflective piece, Kathryn Jezer-Morton explores the challenges of instilling good habits in children amidst the complexities of modern parenting. During a recent hiking trip to Mount Washington, she experienced a structured environment that starkly contrasted with her usual parenting approach, which she describes as "vibes-based." This trip, filled with communal routines and collective experiences, prompted her to reconsider how habits are taught and learned. The Appalachian Trail experience, characterized by a strict schedule and communal living, provided a unique backdrop for Jezer-Morton to observe how children adapt to rules and routines. The nightly skits performed by the staff, aimed at teaching important lessons about responsibility and respect for nature, stirred mixed feelings in her. Initially viewing them as merely for the children, she later recognized their potential impact on her own behavior and mindset. Reflecting on her parenting style, Jezer-Morton questions whether a more deliberate approach, akin to the structured environment of the hiking huts, might be more effective in fostering good habits in her children. Her experience suggests that while a relaxed, hands-off style may have its merits, incorporating intentional lessons could lead to more positive outcomes in developing essential life skills.
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