Next Steps: 23 Habits Kids Should Outgrow by Age 5
Watching kids grow up is like watching a magical transformation right before your eyes. One minute they’re tiny humans who need help with everything, and the next they’re becoming these awesome little people with personalities, skills, and attitudes.
This is a list of things we hope kids will outgrow or stop doing as they pass the age of 5. It’s not about criticizing our little ones, but about gently guiding them towards more grown-up behaviors and helping them develop important life skills.
Every kid is different, and that’s what makes them awesome. Some will zoom through these changes, while others might take their sweet time. And that’s completely okay!
This isn’t a strict checklist, just a friendly guide to the awesome journey of growing up.
Begging for New Toys
Kids often want new things, especially after watching TV ads. But always asking for more toys can be an issue. Parents can help kids understand the difference between things they want and things they really need.
No one enjoys hearing “no,” especially children, but saying it sometimes helps teach them to be patient and grateful for what they already have.
Instead of focusing on buying more stuff, families can put more value on spending time together or helping kids save money for something they really care about.
Messing with Siblings
Sibling rivalry is normal, but kids can grow to get along better. Try family activities where they work as a team to build cooperation.
Teach them how to solve problems by talking about their feelings instead of fighting or shouting. Spend time alone with each child to help them feel special and less jealous. If they argue, stay calm and guide them to find fair answers.
Compliment them when they play well together. With time, siblings can become close friends and support each other.
Telling Parents to Stop
Kids sometimes try to tell their parents what to do, but it’s important to grow out of that. Parents make rules to keep their kids safe and well.
Rather than saying “Stop!”, kids can learn to ask why and talk about how they feel. This helps them understand the reasons behind rules and improves how the family talks to each other.
Parents teach kids about respect while also hearing their worries. It’s about balancing clear rules with being ready to talk and listen.
Fighting Bedtime
Sleep is very important for kids as they grow, but many resist going to bed. Parents can help by setting up a relaxing bedtime routine.
This could include a warm bath, reading a story, or playing soft music. Tell kids why sleep is good—it helps their bodies grow, their minds work better, and gives them energy for play.
Give kids a little choice by letting them pick their pajamas or the story to read. A steady routine can turn bedtime into a calm and smooth part of the day instead of a struggle.
Losing Interest in New Toys
Many parents know the frustration of buying a new toy only to see it forgotten days later. This is a great chance to teach kids about personal finance.
One approach is to regularly go through old toys together. You might say, “Let’s see which toys you’ve outgrown. We can donate them to kids who need them.”
This helps children learn to appreciate what they have and understand that things cost money. It’s a simple way to teach kids about money and value while keeping the house less cluttered.
Saying They’re Not Hungry (Then Having a Meltdown Later)
Kids over 5 can start recognizing their body’s hunger signals better. Skipping meals often leads to grumpiness and meltdowns later.
Parents can help by keeping a regular meal schedule and avoiding unhealthy snacks between meals. It’s also helpful to talk to kids about how food gives them the energy to play and learn.
If they’re not hungry at mealtime, maybe they can try a few bites or save their plate for later. The goal is to help them listen to their bodies and avoid those hunger-induced tantrums.
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Leaving Toothpaste in the Sink
Teaching kids to clean up after brushing their teeth is part of growing up. It’s about more than just a tidy bathroom, it’s learning to be considerate of shared spaces.
Parents can make it fun by using colorful toothbrushes or creating a cleanup chart with stickers. Praise kids when they remember to rinse the sink.
This small habit builds responsibility and respect for the home they share with family.
Peeing on the Toilet Seat
Bathroom etiquette is an important life skill that helps kids stay clean and confident.
For boys, aiming can be tricky, so turn it into a fun game by using a cheerio as a target. For girls, remind them to check the seat after they’re done. Always praise your kids when they keep things neat.
Keep in mind that accidents are normal, so have cleaning supplies ready and teach kids how to clean up if something spills.
Having Meltdowns on Outings
Family outings should be fun, not stressful. Kids over 5 can start learning to manage their emotions better in public. To help stop the meltdowns, parents can prepare kids for outings by explaining plans and setting clear expectations.
Bring snacks and activity books to keep kids engaged. If a meltdown starts, stay calm and find a quiet spot to help the child settle down.
Over time, kids learn to express their needs without big emotional outbursts. This makes family road trips more enjoyable for everyone.
Asking to Watch TV Constantly
Spending too much time on screens can harm young minds. Set firm rules for TV time and follow them. Provide fun options like playing outside, board games, or making crafts.
Prepare a list of activities kids can pick from when they feel bored. Make time away from screens meaningful by giving them your full attention or planning family fun. When they do watch TV, join them, talk about what’s on, and use it as a chance to connect and learn together.
Starting New Projects Without Cleaning Up
Creativity is great, but it can sometimes make a big mess. Kids can learn to finish one thing before moving on to the next. Make cleaning up part of the fun by saying, “Let’s put the blocks away before we start painting.”
Use bins with pictures on them so kids know where everything belongs. This helps them learn to stay organized and care for shared spaces. It also makes it easier to find toys and keeps the home calmer for everyone.
Waking Parents Up in the Middle of the Night
Unless there’s an emergency, kids over 5 should be able to sleep through the night without needing mom or dad. If a child wakes up, teach them strategies to self-soothe, like hugging a stuffed animal or using a nightlight.
For kids scared of the dark, try “monster spray” (water in a spray bottle) to make them feel safe. If they still come to your room, calmly walk them back to bed.
Consistent responses help kids learn to stay in their own beds, ensuring better sleep for everyone.
Refusing to Share
Sharing doesn’t come naturally to all kids, but it’s an essential life lesson to teach. Parents can encourage sharing by praising generous behavior and explaining how it makes others feel good.
Set up playdates where kids can practice sharing toys. When conflicts arise, guide children through taking turns or finding compromises.
Make sharing a positive experience by playing games that involve turn-taking. This teaches kids the joy of generosity and helps them build stronger friendships.
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Spilling Stuff Everywhere
Accidents happen, but older kids can start being more careful with their drinks and snacks. Learning to eat and drink without making a mess is an important skill. It shows respect for shared spaces and helps keep the house clean.
When spills do occur, kids over 5 can start taking responsibility for cleaning up after themselves. This teaches them about consequences and consideration for others.
Parents can make it fun by turning clean-up time into a game or offering praise for careful eating.
Taking Off Seat Belts in the Car
Car safety is non-negotiable. Explain to kids why seat belts are so important, they keep us safe if the car stops suddenly. Make it a rule that the car doesn’t move until everyone is buckled up.
You could create a fun “buckle up” song to sing before each trip. If a child unbuckles during the ride, pull over safely and calmly explain why this isn’t okay. Consistent enforcement of this rule can literally save lives.
Putting Stickers on Everything
Stickers are exciting, but they don’t belong on furniture! Show kids where they can use stickers, like in a notebook or on a poster board.
Talk to them about why stickers shouldn’t go on certain things—they can leave marks or create a mess. If they want to decorate their space, try removable wall decals with them.
This helps kids learn to respect their things and follow limits. Being creative is great, as long as it doesn’t harm anything.
Leaving the Fridge Door Open
Keeping the fridge door open wastes energy and can spoil food. Teach kids about energy conservation in simple terms, “When we leave the door open, the cold air escapes and the fridge has to work harder.”
Make it a game to see how quickly they can grab what they need and close the door. Discuss how this habit can lower electric bills and help the planet.
This small habit teaches responsibility and awareness of how our actions affect the world around us. It’s a stepping stone to broader environmental consciousness.
Interrupting Conversations
Teaching kids to wait for their turn to talk is a key social lesson. Show them to say “Excuse me” if they must interrupt, or to wait until there’s a break in the conversation.
At home, practice listening carefully. Let each person talk about their day without being interrupted. This helps kids learn patience and how to respect others.
It also improves their communication skills, as they get better at sharing their thoughts clearly when it’s their time to speak.
Leaving Clothes Everywhere
Picking up after yourself is an important life skill. Create easy systems for laundry, like a hamper in the kid’s room. Teach children how to sort and put away their own clothes.
Make it a race to see who can pick up the fastest. Compliment kids when they remember to tidy up without being asked. This builds responsibility and helps keep the home organized. It’s a skill that will serve them well into adulthood.
Leaving the Bathroom Door Open
As kids grow, privacy becomes increasingly important. Teach them to close the bathroom door when they’re using it and to knock before entering if a door is closed. Discuss the importance of respecting others’ privacy as well.
This helps kids understand personal boundaries and shows respect for others in the house. It’s a simple yet effective way to begin teaching about consent and personal space.
Ignoring Personal Hygiene
Regular bathing, hand washing, and teeth brushing should become habits. Make hygiene fun with colorful toothbrushes, nice-smelling soaps, or a sticker chart for completed tasks.
Explain why cleanliness matters for health and social reasons. Let kids have some control by choosing their own toiletries. Praise them for remembering hygiene tasks on their own.
This sets the foundation for good self-care habits that will serve them well throughout life.
Forgetting to Say Please and Thank You
Politeness opens many doors in life. Model good manners in your own interactions. Gently remind kids to use “please” and “thank you” when they forget.
Make it a game to catch family members being polite and give compliments. Explain how using these words makes others feel appreciated.
Good manners help kids navigate social situations more smoothly and make a positive impression on others.
Playing with Food at the Table
Mealtime is for eating and family chats. Make sure kids know what good table manners look like. Talk about fun topics to keep their attention on the meal.
If they play with their food, kindly tell them food is for eating, not playing, and that wasting it isn’t okay.
Turn trying new foods into a game instead of playing with them. This shows respect for food and helps kids learn how to eat politely with others.
Kids Growing and Learning
Kids grow up so quickly, don’t they? This isn’t about aiming for perfection but focusing on progress. Every child grows at their own speed, so being patient is really important.
When we help our kids through these changes, we’re not just teaching them new skills, we’re building stronger connections. It shows them we care about their growth and believe in what they can achieve.
These changes take time, but with steady support and lots of love, we can help our kids grow into wonderful individuals.
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.
