Photo by Vishal Modak
I’ve always been a reader—it’s just a part of who I am. But for the longest time, I completely looked down on self-help books. They seemed preachy and boring. Then, I read James Clear’s Atomic Habits, and it changed everything. I’ve gone back to it multiple times, and each time, I find a new gem.
My latest read sparked a new question: How can I apply these powerful principles to my family? My kids are no longer babies, and they thrive on structure. So, we decided to get intentional and build some family habitsthat would set a path for all of us.
Here are five habits we’ve embraced and how the principles from the book helped us make them stick.
Movement & Quiet Time
For me, staying consistent with walks was a challenge. I used habit stacking and paired my walks with my favorite podcasts. Suddenly, it wasn’t a chore; it was a treat. For the kids, I wanted the opposite—a moment of stillness. We created a special “quiet corner” by the window with their favorite pillows and blankets. It’s a dedicated space for them to just sit and enjoy the calm.
Tidy Time
We’ve all heard of the two-minute rule, and it’s pure magic. Every night, we set a two-minute timer and start tidying up. The kids put away their toys while we tackle bigger chores. It’s quick, it’s fun, and it gets the job done before bedtime.
Reading Time
Reading has always been a big part of my life and my children’s lives. But for my partner, it was a challenge to get into the habit. We used two key principles: creating a community and making it immediately satisfying. Now, we all read our own books together in bed. Afterward, we discuss what we read, which has become a wonderful bonding experience for all of us.
Fun Time
Between work, school, and other responsibilities, it’s easy to just go through the motions without truly connecting. Now, we make a conscious effort to play together. We even have a habit tracker! If a day goes by where we haven’t played, we’ll squeeze in a quick bedtime game. The tracker keeps us accountable and reminds us to prioritize that time together.
No TV Time: Our Mountain
This one is our biggest challenge. We want to reduce our family’s TV time, and while we’ve tried different strategies, we haven’t been successful yet. We’ve tried setting time limits and “TV-free” days, but nothing has truly stuck.
Do you have any tips or suggestions for tackling a tough habit like this as a family? We’d love to hear your ideas!