Habits
Today I chanced upon an article on the website http://www.sparringmind.com/ that talked about creating and sustaining good (or bad) habits. As an individual, I never really thought much about creating habits. I always thought that habits are something you latch as and when we grow up. It catches up unknowingly or instilled by our parents/friends/teachers etc.
I cannot remember a habit that I had instilled upon me by my own. Any habit, good or bad, had been a by-product of some inspiration from the folks around me. Brushing my teeth, as an example, is something that my father insisted that I do it everyday, if possible twice at least. I do understand the roles our parents, teachers, and friends play in setting up a behaviour or activity that eventually becomes a habit. I feel guilty sometimes that I did not try to instill any particular behaviour or activity onto my son. He is just over 2 years and never liked brushing his teeth.
Well, brushing is just an example. The real point that I am pondering is how much influence should I apply on my son to make him believe and accept some behaviours or activities are good for him. I think rather than reading some self-help or child care books are not going to help. Neither seeking professional help will be helpful. I always thought as a parent, I should give him options and let him choose what he thinks suites him. However, it will not completely be a democratic process! I would still expect some basic habits, like social behaviour and personal hygiene, to be instilled upon by whatever way it takes.
So, I think it is time for me to really think about how to get some basic, necessary habits could be taught and sustained. It will be a life-long program. On a personal note, I hope could make blogging everyday a habit.