Good habits need to become a part of an individual’s personality at a very young age. Start them when they are young and ensure that developing good habits become a part of their daily life. The secret to the success of a number of highly successful people can be traced back to the good habits that they inculcated from their parents or developed in their childhood or pre-pubescence years.

Good habits can be developed over a period of time and the guidance of parents can play a very important role in it. So, here are 4 healthy habits that every kid should develop:

• Stay Fit: Have a non-negotiable 30-50 minute morning workout routine.

According to a resource from Ohio University, a staggering thirty percent of children between the age of two and eleven are obese. The benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle need no testaments and hence it is very important for kids to understand the importance of fitness. Fitness is not just the key to looking good or feeling good but most important of all it is what allows you to lead a fruitful life. Kids should also be encouraged to participate in athletics, sports, dance, etc. at school.

• Eat Healthily: Set strict limits on packaged food, take out and treats.

Candies, chocolates, and other processed food carry complex sugars that lead to weight gain in children. While banning it all outright is not suggested, keeping a check on how often your child indulges in such foods is an absolute necessity. Getting a child to eat her veggies is certainly not easy, but perseverance, creative cooking, and being stern is the way to go. Try to replace packaged beverages with freshly squeezed fruit juice and mass produced items with home cooked treats. It will be worth the effort as aforementioned can be highly addictive.

• Independent Reading: Set reading milestones and test if they comprehend what they read.

A majority of children like to play video games, use smartphones, or tablets during their free time. But their developing brain needs the warmth of a good book. Educators all over the world agree that nothing predicts a child’s future success like her reading habits. Reading helps amplify critical thinking skills that are a prerequisite to being successful in all sought after professions. Younger children can start with smaller books that cover one event with just a couple of characters. Up to the age of 13, it is highly recommended that you pick and screen what the kid reads.

• Save Money: Board games like Monopoly can go miles beyond a piggy bank.

Teaching your kids how to be resourceful with money is going to ensure that they are ready for the challenges of the real world. In addition to learning how to conduct basic financial transactions, board games like Monopoly can teach numerous lessons to your kids:

• Cash flow management and budgeting: One’s expenditure can never be same as their income. Planning ahead helps you get through the month without waiting for the next paycheck.

• Keeping surplus cash in hand: Spending money is unavoidable and it is also important to invest, this should not leave you completely dry.

• Be prepared for the worst: Learn to deal with an unfavorable situation with courage without backing down.

• An emergency fund is not optional: Put some money aside for a rainy day because you cannot predict an accident.

• Learn to Negotiate: Learn to discuss a problem and strike a deal that is mutually beneficial to both parties.

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