Habits at Home

Habit 1 - Be Proactive

"I am a responsible person.  I take initiatie.  I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods.  I do not blame others for my wrong actions.  I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking."

Using the 7 habits at home:

• Feeling bored?  Brainstorm ideas.
• Help children pack their backpack the night before in order to be prepared for school the next morning.
• Create a safe place in the home for family members to go when they feel angry, scared, or overwhelmed.  Discuss ways to deal with extreme emotions before they happen.

*  Books that share stories about responsibility, choice, accountablility, initiative, and respect. *

• There is a Bird on your Head by Mo Willems
• Henry's freedom box by Ellen Levine
• The boy who harnessed the wind by William Kamkwamba
• Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
• Salt in his shoes : Michael Jordan in pursuit of a dream by Deloris Jordan

Habit 2 - Begin with the End in Mind

" I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision, and look for ways to be a good citizen."

Using the 7 habits at home:

• Discuss your family goals and what you would like to be when you grow up.
• Make a family mission statement.
• Create a family budget. Have children determine how to spend and save their money.

*  Books that share stories about vision, commitment, and purpose. *

• The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
• The adventures of Beekle : the unimaginary friend by Dan Santat
• Click, clack, moo : cows that type by Doreen Cronin
• Alphabet Rescue by Audrey Wood

Habit 3 - Put First Things First

"Work first, then play: I spend my time on things that are most important. I say “no” to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized."

Using the 7 habits at home:

• Create a list of things your child needs to accomplish throughout a week. With your child, rank the tasks in importance. Then rewrite the list in order of importance.
• Use a planner or calendar to schedule time so that the important things are done first.
• Role-play with your child about the consequences of forgetting to study for a math test. How will your child feel? What are the consequences? Then role-play how it will feel to be well prepared and get a great match score!
• Encourage your child to design or decorate his or her own planner or weekly activity log.

*  Books that share stories about focus, integrity, discipline, and prioritization. *

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
• Thank you, Sarah : the woman who saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
• Seeds of freedom : the peaceful integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass

Habit 4 - Think Win Win

"Think Win-Win is the belief that everyone can win. It’s not me or you—it is both of us. It is a belief that there are enough good things for everyone; it is an abundant way of thinking. Think Win-Win is being happy for others when good things happen to them. As a parent, not everything is negotiable, but if you go into discussions with your child with a win-win mindset, you’ll find a lot less resistance."

Using the 7 habits at home:

• Play a game with your child(ren) that has a definite winner. Explain how competition is okay when you play a game, but it is not okay in relationships. Discuss how tense it would be in your home if every situation had to have a winner. A better way to think is win-win.
• You may want to display a chart listing the days of the week. When someone is “caught” thinking win-win, he or she gets to write his or her name on the chart for that day.
• Encourage win-win solutions to sibling disputes. Don’t always be the mediator; let them work out a solution and be sure to be lavish children with praise when they do.

*  Books that share stories about mutual benefits, fairness, and abundance. *

• The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
• The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss
• I'll Share by Jenna Laffin
• Firebird : ballerina Misty Copeland shows a young girl how to dance like the firebird by Misty Copeland

Habit 5 - Seek First to Understand, the To Be Understood

"Listen before you talk. Listen to other people’s ideas and feelings, try to see things from their viewpoints and listen to others without interrupting."

Using the 7 habits at home:

• Practice active listening: Instead of jumping in to solve problems or give advice, practice active listening with your child. When they share a story or express their feelings, pause, make eye contact, and really listen. Show them you understand by repeating back what they’ve said in your own words.
• Model Empathy at Home: Help your child see situations from another person’s perspective. When conflicts arise at home or school, guide them in thinking about how the other person might feel.
• Set an Example of Calm Communication: Children learn by watching you. Demonstrate how to stay calm and thoughtful during disagreements by taking a deep breath and listening to the other person’s point of view before sharing your own. When your child sees you using this skill, they are more likely to imitate it in their own interactions.

*  Books that share stories about vision, commitment, and purpose. *

• Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
• Enemy pie by Derek Munson
• Grace for president by Kelly DiPucchio
• The runaway bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

Habit 6 - Synergize

"Together is better. Value other people’s strengths and learn from them."

Using the 7 habits at home:

• Appreciate Each Family Member’s Strengths: Encourage your family to recognize and celebrate each other’s unique talents. Talk with your child about what makes them and their siblings special.
• Celebrate Differences at Home: Create opportunities to discuss and appreciate differences within your family or community. Ask your child to share what they like or admire about someone who thinks or acts differently than they do.
• Solve Problems Together as a Team:
• Involve your child in family decision-making to show the power of collaboration. Whether it’s planning a trip or deciding how to organize chores, ask for everyone’s input and work together on a solution.

*  Books that share stories about creativity, cooperation, diversity, and humility. *

• The princess and the pony by Kate Beaton
• Imagination according to Humphrey by Betty G Birney
• Stone soup by Jon J Muth
• We are America : a tribute from the heart by Walter Dean Myers

Habit 7 - Sharpen the Saw

"Balance feels best. Take care of your body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. Spend time with family and friends."

Using the 7 habits at home:

• Take Care of Your Body: “Healthy habits keep us strong—let’s fuel our bodies and minds!” Encourage your child to eat nutritious foods, stay active, and prioritize rest by modeling these behaviors together as a family.
• Make time for Loved Ones: “Family time keeps us happy and connected.” Remind your child that spending quality time with family and friends helps strengthen relationships and recharges emotional energy.
• Keep Learning Everywhere: “Everywhere we go, there’s something new to learn!” Inspire curiosity by pointing out learning opportunities in everyday life—reading a book, exploring nature, or solving problems at home together.

*  Books that share stories about renewal, continuous improvement, and balance. *

• Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems
• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
• Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Habit 8 - Find Your Voice & Inspire Others to Find Theirs

"Empowering students to stand up and showcase their strengths and talents to inspire others. I have found something that I am good at and really like doing. I amp proud, but I do not boast. Instead, I use my expertise to help and inspire others."

Using the 7 habits at home:

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• Celebrate your Strengths: “Find what you love and share it with the world.” Encourage your child to explore their talents and passions, whether it’s drawing, sports, or problem-solving. Praise their efforts and help them see how their strengths can make a difference to others.
• Inspire by Example: “Use your gifts to lift others up.” Remind your child that their skills and talents are powerful tools for helping and inspiring others. For example, if they’re good at math, they could help a sibling or friend who struggles with it.
• Lead with Kindness and Humility: “Be proud of what you can do, but always share it with kindness.” Teach your child to value humility by celebrating achievements without boasting. Encourage them to see how their successes can motivate others to find their own talents.

*  Books that share stories about inspiration, kindness, and humility. *

• Thank you, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
• The rough-face girl by Rafe Martin