If there’s one thing you want your kids to learn early, it’s how to take initiative. Being proactive means they don’t just sit around waiting for things to happen—they make things happen. Whether it’s finishing homework before it’s due, helping out around the house without being asked, or planning ahead for responsibilities, this skill sets them up for success in school, work, and life. So how do you actually teach it?
Here are 3 tips to get them started.
Show Them What It Looks Like
Kids learn best by watching, and if they see you being proactive, they’re more likely to pick up the habit. Point out moments when you take initiative—whether it’s prepping meals for the week, or organizing bills before they pile up.
Make it obvious. Say something like, “I’m scheduling the chimney inspection now so we don’t run into any problems when it gets cold.” That way, they connect the action with the benefit. You can even ask them to think of situations where they can plan ahead. Maybe packing their school bag the night before or setting reminders for assignments. The goal is to make proactivity feel like second nature.
Let Them Make (and Fix) Their Own Mistakes
It’s tempting to step in and do things for your kids—especially when you see them struggling. But sometimes, the best teacher is experience. If they forget to pack their lunch or don’t study for a test, let them deal with the consequences. The key is to guide them afterward.
Instead of saying, “I told you so,” ask, “What could you do next time to avoid this?” This helps them think ahead instead of reacting to problems at the last minute. When they come up with their own solutions, they’re more likely to stick with them.
Give Them Control Over Small Decisions
If you want kids to be proactive, give them chances to take charge. Let them plan a family activity, decide what’s for dinner one night, or set their own study schedule. The more they get used to making decisions, the more comfortable they’ll be with taking initiative.
Start small. Maybe ask them, “What’s one thing you can do this week to make life easier for yourself?” Their answer could be anything from laying out clothes the night before to setting a reminder to call Grandma. The important thing is that they’re thinking ahead and taking action.
Teaching kids to be proactive isn’t really giving them a list of things to do—it’s really helping them develop a mindset. Show them what it looks like, let them learn from mistakes, and give them control over small decisions. Over time, they’ll start taking initiative in ways you never expected. And hey, hopefully one day they’ll even remind you.
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