Uncommon habits of Super performing parents Part-4

Nurturing successful children is not just about hard work and destiny but a consistent implementation of some solid uncommon habits built into the everyday environment when children are growing up as family culture. In the final part of this series, below are uncommon but exceptionally effective habits that the top 0.1% of the parents of highly successful children seem to have done and keep doing.

1. Big on Routines

Following a routine is the ultimate brain hack for productivity. The brain loves routines because it builds predictability and reduces mental clutter or decision-making fatigue. It primes the brain for a certain task scheduled for a certain time with least resistance. Parents of children who have been very successful understand that stressing on discipling the kids is overrated; rather it is important to build the most conducive routine and follow that consistently which leads to winning habit formation.

These are especially critical when children are young and build up as we grow older. Self-care, prayer, study, reading routines or sleeping time. Maintaining consistency builds the routine and now rather than exerting willpower and relying on external motivation, children are naturally wired to follow through. 

2.  Build a support system

Popularly said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Parents who want to give their children the best nurturing understand that they cannot do it all alone. They invest time and effort in nurturing relationships and systems that become their support system. It could be nurturing friendships, family bonds, benevolence with staff and helpers, appreciation to coaches and so much more. These in turn become the pillars to help with car pools, opportunities, emotional care at home and backups they can rely on. 

3. Value Curiosity and Self reliance

A famous billionaire had a unique habit. We appreciated and gave his child a toffy every time they asked unique or deep questions. He then discussed the topic or encouraged his child to figure out the possibilities. Build a hypothesis. Test or ask people around. Not necessarily look up the encyclopedia or google immediately. 

What was being celebrated in the process was the value of being curious, independent, critical and creative thinking of the reasons or solutions and self-reliance. “Being curious” is the birthplace of ideas and opportunities and “Figure it out” is the journey to uncharted success. 

4. Let children be in a state of flow

Very often as parents, we are in a hurry and have things lined up in a certain order in our heads and want our children to follow through. What does it lead to? Interrupting the child constantly in what they are doing. Instead, here is the opposite of the need to succeed in life. Zone out. Being engrossed in something as simple as coloring or music, experiment or study allows the brain to go into a deep state of flow.

These are moments of extreme focus, emergence of brilliant ideas and powerfully calming for the brain. Being able to get into a state of flow very often leads to mastery in a field. Once children are allowed to be in this state of flow, they develop the mental muscle to get into that state without distractions and excel in their tasks. Sachin Tendulkar credits the ability to go into a state of flow while playing cricket for his success. 

5. Don’t label your children

The worst mistake parents can make is to label their child based on their habits, past experiences or tendencies. It is similar to putting a sticker on paper. Once stuck, either it is impossible to remove the sticker without tearing apart the paper or it definitely leaves a mark behind. Super parents realize that when they label their child as “cranky, picky eater, lazy, not punctual, unorganized, shy”, they don't just demean the child in the moment but the parents’ words become the child’s inner voice for life. They view themselves with those limitations and labels rather than being limitless and unstoppable. 

Raising successful children is not a goal but an intentional choice we make and can easily adopt. The great news is that these 20 habits (shared over the last 4 articles) cannot just transform the life trajectory of your children but also yours for success and significance. 

Are you motivated to try implementing these habits in your parenting? Share your moments and tag Pranjal_Gundesha on Instagram for a shout out and more such insights.