Summer vacations bring freedom — but also scattered routines, increased screen time, and parent-child friction over small tasks.
At The Heritage Public School in Surendranagar, we’ve seen firsthand that motivation isn’t enough. What works long-term — both in school and at home — are small, repeatable systems.
One book that has deeply influenced how we think about this is *Atomic Habits* by James Clear. His ideas aren’t just for adults chasing goals — they’re life-changing for parents and educators too.
The Power of Tiny Routines
James Clear’s central idea is simple: sustainable change doesn’t come from big resolutions — it comes from tiny routines.
At school, we apply this idea every day. Our students don’t just follow rules; they build habits — from reading, handwashing, and daily exercise to speaking the truth and respecting elders.
As a parent, summer is your best chance to introduce these “identity habits” at home.
Here’s how to build powerful habits at home during the break — the same way we do in school:
“After breakfast, we read for 10 minutes.” (Habit stacking)
At The Heritage Public School, our students start each day with a Thought of the Day, News of the Day, and History of the Day — building awareness, reflection, and knowledge.
At home in Surendranagar or anywhere, pair breakfast with a short reading routine. No pressure. Just the rhythm.
“Pack your bag before bedtime.” (Responsibility habit)
We teach even our youngest learners to take responsibility for their school materials. Packing their own bags is a habit, not a task.
You can apply this at home as a night-time ritual: pack for the next day — even if it’s just for a picnic, a trip, or tuition. It builds independence.
“Wash hands after outdoor play.” (Micro-habit)
One of our earliest routines is hand hygiene. It’s part of the school identity — done without reminders.
Reinforce this at home using visuals or a habit tracker. Make it automatic.
“Earn small rewards for completing week-long tasks.” (Consistency over marks)
We celebrate consistency, not just high scores. Children receive recognition for completing tasks, showing effort, and being dependable.
Try the same at home: reward your child for doing something consistently for 5–7 days — like watering plants, brushing teeth, or helping in the kitchen.
“Tell the truth, and we’ll listen calmly.” (Safe space habit)
One of the most powerful culture points at The Heritage Public School is forgiveness through truth. Students are encouraged to be honest — and are met with understanding, not punishment.
Create a home rule: truth earns trust. This builds long-term honesty and emotional security.
It’s Not Rules — It’s Culture
At The Heritage Public School, we don’t teach habits as topics — we build them as culture.
Every child is guided to:
- Read with Words Worth
- Play math with Matific
- Exercise daily
- Eat healthy food
- Pray before meals
- Respect elders
- Prepare their thought, news, and history of the day
- Speak the truth — and be forgiven when they do
- Arrive at school on time
- Earn gifts for weekly/monthly task completion — regardless of marks
Start Small This Summer
You don’t need to change everything this summer. Just start with one small, repeatable action — and let your child’s identity evolve through it.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become.”
– James Clear, Atomic Habits
This summer, let’s raise readers, truth-tellers, helpers, thinkers — one small habit at a time.