We’ve had loads of snow days over the past few weeks. All that extra time with my sons has given me a chance to reconnect with them over some favorite books.
The Seven Habits of Happy Kids is one of my favorites, and my sons’ favorites, too. One of my sons especially enjoys hearing the stories over and over (and over). I enjoy reading it because not only do I get one-on-one quality time with my son, our reading session is an opportunity to discuss important life lessons.
You may be familiar with The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, written by Stephen Covey in 1989. This bestseller has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, and spawned several companion books including The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families and The Leader in Me.
Now, Covey’s son, Sean—who is a father of eight—has written a book for kids based on Stephen Covey’s original “seven habits” (adults, see detailed explanations for each here):
Be Proactive
Begin with the end in mind.
Put first things first.
Think win-win.
Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
Synergize.
Sharpen the saw
In Sean Covey’s The Seven Habits of Happy Kids, the author tailors the seven habits to children from kindergarten through third grade, as well as their parents and teachers. Each of the seven habits is presented within the context of a story, with humorous and engaging illustrations.
This book serves as a great springboard for conversation with my children. At the end of each story is a short list of discussion questions we can explore together. We talk about our experiences, and scenarios where each of the seven habits plays a role. It’s always interesting to hear what my sons have to say!
Parents and teachers can use the questions to further conversation about each of the habits. They can also generate ideas for kids for so they can make the habits part of their own lives. It’s an upbeat path to some serious conversation.
As parents and caregivers, we try so hard to impart the importance of initiative, hard work, compassion, and self-assurance to our children, traits which are sometimes hard to build. I know that this book has had a positive impact on my own children, and I encourage you to try it.
Happy reading,
Miriam
I’d love to hear about any other books you recommend to spark discussion about values. Please share your ideas in the comments section or email me at Miriam at otthrive dot com.
I put it on my library list!