10 Tips for Raising Responsible Adults

Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Happy Kids is taught in many school districts across the country, and if your kids were lucky enough to learn the habits last year… then hopefully they haven’t forgotten about it over the summer!

Of course, summer is meant to be fun and memorable. We want our kids to relax in the off-season from school, especially these last days of summer before school starts again. But this doesn’t mean they can’t help out their parents at home.

Helping around the house covers several concepts from the 7 Habits, and try to keep in mind we aren’t raising kids, we’re raising adults. This can be tough to practice, but worth the extra time and energy if it means our children will become adults who can take care of their belongings, manage their time, and maintain some basic cleanliness.

Here are 10 tips to help teach kids to care for their home and belongings during the school year and the off-season:

1. Make your bed every morning.
2. Wipe out the bathroom sink, counter, and faucet when you’re done brushing your teeth.
3. Put on a fresh toilet paper roll when it runs out.
4. Hang up your wet towel after a shower.
5. Take dishes to the sink when you’re finished eating.
6. Hang up your coat and put away shoes when you walk in the door.
7. Bring in your things from the car (and throw away your garbage).
8. Unload your backpack every day after camp or school (mom and dad should provide simple steps for lunch boxes, wet swim suits, etc.).
9. Be ready for tomorrow and think about what clothes or special items you need to get ready tonight (like washing your swimsuit today so it is ready for tomorrow’s camp).
10. Have a 10-Minute-Tidy every night for family common areas: put away dirty dishes, books and toys, crafts, dirty socks, homework.

With only a little bit of summer left, there’s still plenty of time to implement these tips. (And prepare for the school year!) Keep reminding yourself “future adult, future adult, future adult” and let them know how much you love and appreciate their help.

Don’t forget: If you need help with home organization before or after school starts this fall, call us 253.225.4864 - we’ll provide a personalized, free consultation & estimate. No job is too big or too small for GHHM!