There’s no fool-proof way to raise kids, but research has pointed to a few factors that may help lead to your children being successful.
IFL Science pulled together psychological research from different sources to come up with 16 habits parents of successful kids have in common.
Some of the factors are unsurprising: Asking kids to do chores, being fair during arguments and helping children with school early on.
But others are slightly unexpected. Watch the video above to find out what all 16 habits are.
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6 Inspired Ways To Add Adventure To Your Family Life
Climb a tree(01 of07)
It’s a simple age-old activity but there is something utterly liberating about seeing the world from a whole new perspective. The everyday things we take for granted (because we’re too busy staring at our screens) suddenly take on new meaning from that magical vantage point in the sky. Head to a forest or hit up your local park – and don’t forget your binoculars. (credit:Hummer via Getty Images)
Go on a mini-beast safari(02 of07)
A South African safari might be off the cards, but there are plenty of opportunities for a mini-beast safari in your own back yard – even in the most built-up urban areas. Hunt around with a magnifying glass and a notebook, build a bug hotel or plant bee-friendly flowers in your garden, or head to your local pond for some pond dipping action or to the coast for rock pool exploration and crabbing. (credit:James + Courtney Forte via Getty Images)
Go on a treasure hunt(03 of07)
Clinical psychologist Linda Blair says, “If you want to encourage harmony, think of cooperative exercises that involve teamwork, like a treasure hunt with prizes for everyone, rather than competitive activities. This creates a feeling of self-pride and bonding.” If your kids are too old for playing pirates, try the world’s largest ‘grown-up’ treasure hunt: geocaching. (credit:Westend61 via Getty Images)
Get on your bikes(04 of07)
Cycling is brilliant fun for kids of all ages (and parents, too). And as well as being great for your physical and emotional wellbeing, it’s also free of charge. There are family-friendly cycle routes all over the country. Choose a canal or riverside route or get messy with a spot of muddy, mountain biking. UK charity Sustrans have loads of ideas for family cycling adventures. (credit:Paul Biris via Getty Images)
Try a new sport(05 of07)
Kicking a ball around the park or heading to the swimming pool is great but there is a lot to be said for trying something completely new. Whether it’s archery, kayaking or climbing, trying something you’ve never done before is the perfect antidote to mindless social media scrolling because it forces you to be fully in the present: a kind of informal mindfulness practice. And we could all do with more mindfulness in our family lives. (credit:Poncho via Getty Images)
Embrace the rain(06 of07)
There’s nothing us Brits love more than a good old moan about the rain. We pull our coats over our heads and run for cover when we get caught out in a shower, take umbrellas everywhere ‘just in case’ and resign our kids to indoor ‘rainy day activities’. But there is something beautifully life-affirming about getting soaking wet on purpose. Whether it’s jumping in puddles with your toddlers, playing football in the rain with your teens or having a huge family water fight, getting wet is a great way to encourage a more adventurous and life-loving attitude. (credit:Carol Yepes via Getty Images)
Book a family adventure holiday(07 of07)
If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not go all-out and book a family adventure holiday? PGL run multi-activity holidays, which are brilliant for boosting your children’s confidence and socialising with other fun-seeking families. If you’d prefer something further afield, The Family Adventure Company offer everything from trekking in the Himalayas to tiger safaris in India. (credit:Hero Images via Getty Images)