Being proactive means taking initiative and acting in advance to handle situations or solve problems before they become issues. For children, learning to be proactive is a valuable skill that can enhance their ability to manage responsibilities, make decisions, and build confidence. Proactivity empowers kids to take charge of their actions, plan ahead, and make thoughtful choices. By incorporating proactive habits into their daily routines, children can learn to navigate challenges more effectively and develop a sense of responsibility. To see our past blog about being proactive, see https://mpama.com/2023/08/01/what-it-means-to-be-proactive/
Here are three fun and simple drills that parents can practice with their kids at home to work on being proactive:
Exercise 1: Morning Routine
Establishing a daily morning routine is a great way for kids to start learning all about the importance of being proactive. Knowing what must be done ahead of time, and sticking to that schedule every day will help kids build the foundations of proactivity.
How it Works:
- Plan Together: Take a few minutes to sit down with your child, and create a checklist of tasks to get done each and every morning. Encourage them to take the lead, and write down the tasks they come up with, including getting dressed, making their bed, brushing teeth, etc.
- Set Goals: Agree on a reasonable amount of time for each task to be completed.
- Reward: If your child proactively keeps up with their morning routine, offer them rewards like extra playtime or a favorite snack.
This exercise teaches children the importance of planning and helps them develop a habit of thinking ahead.
Exercise 2: Weekly Planner
Using a weekly planner can help children understand the value of organizing their time and being prepared for upcoming events and responsibilities, another huge part of proactivity. Furthermore, having a physical checklist can help kids visually organize and stay on top of their week.
How it Works:
- Create a Planner: Using either a premade planner, or any regular notebook, organize your planner with the different activities your child regularly has throughout the week (school, sports, chores, etc.).
- Fill it In: At the start of each week, sit down with your child and fill out the pages in the planner with their different commitments that week. Be sure to discuss any important events or deadlines that they should prepare for.
- Review: Encourage your child to check their planner each day to make sure they are prepared for their responsibilities. As they complete their weekly tasks, have them check off the lists in their planner to mark them as finished.
This exercise helps children anticipate future tasks and teaches them how to allocate their time effectively.
Exercise 3: Proactive Problem-Solving
This game encourages children to think critically and come up with proactive solutions to potential problems.
How it Works:
- Identify Scenarios: Write down different challenging scenarios on slips of paper (e.g., “You forgot your homework at home,” “It’s raining and you need to walk to school”).
- Draw and Discuss: Have your child draw a slip and discuss what they would do to handle the situation proactively. For scenarios where it can apply, have your child also brainstorm ways to proactively prevent it from happening in the first place.
- Role-Play: Role-play the scenario to practice the solution. For example, if the scenario is forgetting homework, the proactive solution might be to pack the backpack the night before and double-check it in the morning, and then have your child practice it!
This exercise enhances critical thinking and helps children learn to anticipate and mitigate potential problems.
In Conclusion
Teaching children to be proactive is a powerful way to equip them with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and foresight. By incorporating these simple and fun exercises into your child’s routine, you can help them develop a proactive, and therefore successful, mindset. Encouraging proactivity in children not only prepares them for future responsibilities but also instills a sense of independence and self-reliance. Start practicing these exercises today and watch your child’s life change for the better!