For parents of young learners
Good habits for kids: 40 habits to teach at home
Good habits are a favourite topic in school for speeches, essays and EVS, and they matter at home every day. Here are 40 good habits in simple English sentences, bad habits to avoid, and a way to make them stick.
By the Eloqova team · Updated 26 October 2026
Tip: work on one habit at a time for two weeks. Tick it off on a chart every day, and praise the effort, not just the result.
Good habits for health
| Good habit |
|---|
| I brush my teeth twice a day. |
| I take a bath every day. |
| I wash my hands before and after eating. |
| I eat fruits and vegetables every day. |
| I drink plenty of water. |
| I sleep early and wake up early. |
| I play outside for at least an hour. |
| I cut my nails every week. |
| I cover my mouth when I cough or sneeze. |
| I eat less junk food. |
Good habits at home
| Good habit |
|---|
| I make my bed in the morning. |
| I keep my toys back after playing. |
| I help my parents with small jobs. |
| I switch off lights and fans when I leave a room. |
| I turn off the tap while brushing. |
| I respect my elders. |
| I read a book every day. |
| I keep my shoes in the right place. |
| I finish my homework on time. |
| I limit my screen time. |
Good habits at school
| Good habit |
|---|
| I reach school on time. |
| I wear a clean uniform. |
| I listen carefully to my teacher. |
| I raise my hand before I speak. |
| I keep my desk and classroom clean. |
| I share with my friends. |
| I throw rubbish in the dustbin. |
| I stand in a line. |
| I take care of school property. |
| I ask questions when I do not understand. |
Good manners
| Good habit |
|---|
| I greet people with a smile. |
| I say please, thank you and sorry. |
| I knock before entering a room. |
| I wait for my turn. |
| I do not interrupt others. |
| I speak politely to everyone. |
| I help people who need it. |
| I tell the truth. |
| I keep my promises. |
| I take care of animals and plants. |
Bad habits to avoid
| Bad habit | Why to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Biting nails | It spreads germs from your hands to your mouth. |
| Too much screen time | It hurts your eyes and sleep, and leaves less time to play. |
| Eating junk food often | It makes you tired and unhealthy. |
| Telling lies | People stop trusting you. |
| Wasting food and water | Many people do not have enough. |
| Shouting and fighting | It hurts others and solves nothing. |
| Sleeping late | You feel tired and cannot focus in school. |
| Littering | It makes our surroundings dirty and unsafe. |
How to practise at home
- Pick one habit for two weeks and track it on a simple chart on the fridge.
- Turn the list into a short speech: "Good habits make us healthy and happy..."
- Praise effort: "You remembered to make your bed without being told!"
- Do it with your child. Children copy what we do.
Questions parents ask
What are 10 good habits for kids?
Brushing twice a day, washing hands, eating fruit, drinking water, sleeping early, reading daily, keeping things tidy, being on time, saying please and thank you, and telling the truth.
How long does it take a child to build a habit?
It varies, but a few weeks of daily practice with gentle reminders and praise usually makes a habit feel natural.
How can I write a speech on good habits?
Start with why habits matter, give three examples with a reason each, and end with a promise, such as "Let us start one good habit today". See our 1-minute speech guide for a structure.