Childhood Habits That Negatively Affect You as an Adult

We all have those childhood habits—the ones our parents indulged, saying they are just a phase, or warned us about, saying they would come back to haunt us. Childhood habits that negatively affect you as an adult range from poor eating and exercise habits to fidgets such as thumb-sucking and twirling your hair. As mothers, we can help our children avoid these pitfalls.

Overeating (Especially Sugary Things)

Remember those days when cookies and candy were treated as harmless childhood indulgences? No? We don’t either. But that didn’t keep us from hiding a secret stash of Oreos or Snickers and occasionally bingeing on ice cream after a particularly bad day.

But overeating, especially sugary things, whether just for fun or because of emotional upsets, can set us up for unhealthy eating habits later in life. Consuming too many sugary foods as an adult may contribute to the development of diabetes or heart disease. As moms, we can help our kids develop a healthy relationship with food by encouraging balanced meals and teaching them that treats are just that: treats.

Not Staying Active (We’re Looking At You, Video Games)

Yes, we’re pointing fingers at video games, but let’s be honest—we’ve all been guilty of choosing the couch, the remote, and our streaming services over a walk. Children who aren’t acquainted with exercise can grow into adults who do not prioritize staying active. For some, a lack of fitness can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and even mental health issues in adulthood. So, let’s encourage our kids to find fun in fitness as well as their other hobbies. After all, who says exercise can’t be fun?

Staying Up Late

We know, we know—bedtime battles can be exhausting. And even if you were the queen of the all-nighter in high school and college, you’re a parent now. Establishing a regular sleep schedule for our kids and ourselves is crucial. Staying up late can mess with body clocks and lead to sleep disorders, mood swings, and cognitive issues in adulthood. So, let’s lead by example and stick to those bedtimes, even when you’d rather watch one more episode on Netflix.

Leaving a Light On When You Sleep

Ever notice how your little one insists on leaving a light on when they sleep? It may seem harmless, but it can actually disrupt their sleep cycle. So, instead of a bright light, encourage your child to opt for a soothing nightlight or a glow-in-the-dark teddy. The adult version of managing lights at night is turning off those power strips and putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode.

Fidgeting, From Thumb-Sucking to Hair-Twirling

Fidgeting habits such as thumb-sucking or hair-twirling might seem cute when our kids are small, but if they continue into adulthood, they can become problematic. Both short-term and prolonged thumb-sucking habits can lead to dental issues, and hair-twirling can progress to hair loss. Both habits can also cause social embarrassment. Helping kids find healthier ways to self-soothe, such as reading a book, cuddling a stuffed animal, or doing some deep breathing exercises, can preempt consequences of thumb-sucking from extending into adulthood.

Guiding children through life can make you feel like an imposter, especially when you’re admonishing them over things you did when you were a kid. But remember that the childhood habits they form now can have a lasting impact on their adult lives. Intervening early can save your child a world of trouble, from bullying to braces. Set yourself and your children up for success!