Common Bad Habits In Children That You Should Correct

Bad habits in children when they are young can lead to real problems later in life. With this in mind, it is important for parents to watch out for these warning signs. Intervening on time is important in order to make the necessary corrections.

Children imitate the behavior of the people around them. If children spend all their time around people who have bad habits, they are quite likely to pick them up.

This is something that is very important to keep in mind when we talk about how to correct bad habits in children.

How to create a habit?

Habits are created when we unconsciously repeat a behavior. Bad habits in children can be caused by physical or mental problems.

Habits can give rise to compulsive behaviors, which should be treated by a doctor or psychologist.

Bad habits in children

Some bad habits in children can have a direct negative impact on health. Others may affect relationships with peers or family.

In any case, it is important to correct negative behavior as early as possible so that it does not become permanent.

Unhealthy food

Eating fast food is a very common bad habit nowadays. In fact, there are children who do not want to eat anything other than fast food.

One consequence of this is obesity and high blood pressure in children.

To get the kids to stop this habit  , you can prepare recipes with a varied content and which are visually appealing.

If there is a specific food that they do not like, replace it with something else from the same food group.

Ask the children to help with the cooking. They are much more likely to eat if they have helped make the food.

2. Eating in front of the TV

Studies have shown that the habit of eating in front of the TV can cause obesity. The child’s brain, which is focused on its favorite series, does not register when it is full and thus creates overeating.

In addition, dinner time should be an occasion when the family sits down together and talks about their day.

Unpleasant and offensive language

As we have already mentioned, children imitate what they see. If the adults at home are unpleasant to each other and use profanity, the children will follow these habits. This can then be difficult to correct.

When they are away from home, children will repeat these swear words in front of teachers and other adults. The correction of this behavior should be done at home, by setting a good example.

4. Computer games, video games and watching TV

Technology and screen time can range from hobby to addiction. In fact, it can even be harmful to our health.

Many children do not want to play outdoors because they are stuck indoors in front of their computers, toads or smartphones.

Too much screen time can also lead to difficulty sleeping and affect children’s social development.

By spending too much time on games, children can fall behind with their schoolwork.

To prevent or correct this behavior  , you need to establish a routine and make sure that they do not sit in front of the screen for more than two hours at a time.

Technology can also hide another, underlying problem. Many children who suffer from anxiety or insecurity can become addicted to technology as a way out.

If you notice anything more serious, seek medical advice.

5. Suck on your thumb and poke your nose

Small children can suck on the thumb instead of a pacifier. This is a bad habit that occurs early but usually goes away on its own.

If it does not, it is best to hire a specialist to make sure that it does not create any problems with the formation of the baby’s mouth.

Poking in the nose is another unpleasant habit that can lead to nosebleeds. Toddlers have a tendency to do so unconsciously. 

Make sure they know what they are doing every time they put their finger in their nose. Comments like “beware of the brain” usually work and then you are already well on your way to breaking the habit.

6. Go to bed late

Toddlers need between 11 and 13 hours of sleep per night. If children do not get enough rest, they can become irritated, distracted, tired and lethargic. This can lead to memory loss and sluggishness.

Not getting enough sleep can also create imbalances in the hormonal system. Establishing a decent bedtime and maintaining a routine without exception can alleviate this habit.

For example, you can make sure they get an early dinner and that you read them a bedtime story to make sure they create a new and healthier habit.

7. Poor hygiene

Hygiene is fundamental to good health and a normal social life. Many children resist when they take a shower and do not always want to brush their teeth when it is time.

But this resistance easily becomes a bad habit. Make sure the whole family creates a routine of washing their hands regularly and showering and brushing their teeth regularly.

Remember that children follow their parents in this case, so set a good example.