Reading Time: 14 minutes Don’t Let Your Kid Be ‘That Kid’: 23 Habits to Drop After Age 5
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I’m sure you’ve seen articles on MSN and other media platforms about things people should stop doing at certain ages. You know, the ones that tell you what to avoid in your 50s, 60s, or 70s.
Well, as parents of twins who just turned 5, my wife and I thought it would be fun to flip the script. Instead of focusing on adults, let’s talk about the little ones!
We came up with a list of 23 things we hope our kids will outgrow as they pass the age of 5. It’s not about being strict or unreasonable, it’s about helping our children develop good habits and become more responsible as they grow.
After all, that’s a big part of why I decided to retire early at 42. I wanted to be present for these important years and watch my kids learn and grow.
Before we jump in, let me say that every child is different. Some might master these skills earlier, while others might need a bit more time. That’s perfectly okay!
This list is meant to be a fun guide, not a strict rulebook. It’s all about encouraging positive growth and helping our little ones become amazing big kids.
Table of Contents
Stop Doing This When Over 5
We’ve written about 31 Things You Should Never Do Again After You Turn 50, then 24 Things (Most) People Over Age 60 Should Stop Doing, and Do Not Do These 30 Activities If You Are Over 75. People seem to just love these articles.
But today, we’re looking at 23 behaviors that kids should stop doing after age 5. We’ll cover daily routines, social skills, and little habits that make a big difference. Our goal is simple: to help raise happy, healthy kids who are ready to take on the world.
So, let’s get into our list and see what behaviors it might be time for your little ones to leave behind!
Parents and Grandparents, after you read this share it with your friends and family that you know can relate. Heck, read it to some 5 and 6 year olds! Also, let us know what you think in the comments.
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Telling Parents to Stop
Kids often try to boss their parents around, but it’s time to move past that. When parents set rules, it’s to keep their children safe and healthy.
This one inspired me to write this article. One of our daughters was yelling at us to stop telling her to clean up.
Instead of saying “Stop!”, kids can learn to ask questions and share their feelings. This helps them understand why rules exist and builds better communication in the family.
If she had just asked why I was asking her to clean up, I could have explained that it was because I had something fun that we were all going to do. (I try to never leave the house without them putting their stuff away)
Being a good dad or mom means teaching kids about respect while listening to their concerns. It’s all about finding a balance between setting boundaries and being open to conversation.
Related: 85+ Words of Encouragement for Kids
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.
One of the best feelings I get is when I see one of my kids clean up something they spilled without me asking. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it sure feels like success.
Parents can make it fun by turning clean-up time into a game or offering praise for careful eating.
Related: Are You Smart? 14 Signs Of Higher Intelligence
Begging for New Toys
It’s normal for kids to want new things, especially after seeing ads on TV. But constantly asking for more toys can become a problem. Parents can teach their children about the difference between wants and needs.
While no one likes being told no, especially kids, it’s sometimes necessary to teach them patience and appreciation for what they already have.
Instead of focusing on material things, families can emphasize experiences or encourage kids to save up for special items they truly want.
Related: Amazon Gift Ideas – Best Toys And Gifts For Kids Ages 5 -7
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.
Related: Best Problem Solving Toys. Critical Thinking Toys!
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.
Related: 16 Tasty Meals That Are Cheap And Easy To Make: Get Inspired
Fighting Bedtime
Sleep is super important for growing kids, but many fight going to bed. Parents can create a calm bedtime routine to help kids wind down.
This might include a warm bath, bedtime books, or quiet music. Explain why sleep matters, it helps them grow, think better, and have more energy for fun.
Let kids have some control by choosing their pajamas or bedtime story. A consistent routine can make bedtime less of a battle and more of a peaceful transition.
Related: Parents, Stop Struggling! Here’s How to Wake Up Your Kids Easily
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.
Related: Ways to Support Your Kids’ Learning Through the Summer
Peeing on the Toilet Seat
Bathroom etiquette is an important life skill. As parents who have used cloth diapers, we know cleanup is no fun, and it gets even trickier during potty training.
For boys, aiming can be challenging. Make it a game by putting a cheerio in the toilet as a
Remember, accidents happen, so keep cleaning kits handy and teach kids how to tidy up if needed.
Related: Cloth Diapers Save Money: The Simple Answer
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.
We find that avoiding red dye 40 actually makes an incredible difference. It seems to trigger melt downs with our kids.
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.
Starting New Projects Without Cleaning Up
Creativity is wonderful, but it often leaves a trail of mess. Kids can learn to finish one activity before starting another. Make cleanup part of the play process, “Before we get out the paints, let’s put away the blocks.”
Use storage bins labeled with pictures so kids know where things go. This teaches organization skills and respect for shared spaces. Plus, it makes finding toys easier and reduces stress for the whole family.
Related: 12 Fun and Simple Christmas Activities for Kids
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.
Related: Top 9 Kids Dictionaries For Academic Success
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.
Related: Remember These? 29 School Items You Won’t Find in Classrooms Anymore
Messing with Siblings
Sibling rivalry is common, but kids can learn to get along better. Encourage teamwork through family activities where siblings work together.
Teach conflict resolution skills, like using words to express feelings instead of hitting or yelling. Give each child one-on-one time to reduce jealousy. When fights break out, stay calm and help kids find fair solutions.
Praise them when they play nicely together. Over time, siblings can become friends and allies.
Related: Remember When? 22 Ways Kids Had More Freedom in the 1960s
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.
Related: The Best Road Trips in Every State: Iconic Road Trips
Putting Stickers on Everything
Stickers are fun, but not when they end up all over the furniture! Give kids specific places where they can use stickers, like a special notebook or poster board.
Explain why we don’t put stickers on certain things, it can damage them or make a mess. If they want to decorate their room, look for removable wall decals together.
This teaches respect for belongings and helps kids understand boundaries. It’s okay to be creative, but in ways that don’t cause damage.
Related: How to Remove Stickers from Wood Furniture: From A Mom (With Video)
Asking to Watch TV Constantly
Too much screen time isn’t good for growing brains. Set clear limits on TV time and stick to them. Offer exciting alternatives like outdoor play, board games, or craft projects.
Create a list of activities for kids to choose when they’re bored. Make non-TV time special with one-on-one attention or family activities. When TV time is allowed, watch together, discuss what you see, and use it as an opportunity to bond and learn.
Related: 22 Ways Technology Has Made Americans Lives Worse
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.
Related: Save Hundreds a Year by Unplugging These 15 Household Devices
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.
Interrupting Conversations
Learning to wait your turn to speak is an important social skill. Teach kids to say “Excuse me” if they really need to interrupt, or to wait for a pause in conversation.
Practice active listening at home – let each family member share about their day without interruption. This helps kids develop patience and respect for others.
It also improves their own communication skills as they learn to express themselves clearly when it’s their turn.
Related: 30 Life Skills Younger Generations Are Losing
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.
Related: 203 of the Silliest Would You Rather Questions for Kids
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.
Related: How To Make Money as a Kid: 25 Best Strategies Revealed!
Playing with Food at the Table
Mealtimes are for eating and family conversation. Set clear expectations about table manners. Engage kids in interesting talks to keep them focused on the meal.
If they start playing with their food, gently remind them that food is meant for eating and that playing with it leads to unnecessary food waste.
You could make a game of trying new foods instead of playing with them. This teaches respect for food and helps develop social skills for eating with others.
Related: 13 Healthy Foods That Most People Refuse To Eat
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. Praise 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.
Related: Laundry Mindfulness: How to do Laundry Faster
Growing and Learning Together
Kids grow up so fast, don’t they? These 23 points aren’t about perfection, they’re about progress. Every child develops at their own pace, so patience is key.
When we guide our kids through these changes, we’re not just teaching them skills, we’re building stronger relationships. Showing them we care about their growth and believe in their abilities.
These changes don’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort and lots of love, we can help our kids blossom into amazing individuals.
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.
