How to Make New Year’s Resolutions with Your Kids
by Julie Diamond, OCT
****This blog is a 3-minute read****
Making resolutions together as a family not only creates a sense of togetherness but also imparts valuable lessons in perseverance, self-discipline, and planning. In this blog post, we will explore the art of creating New Year's resolutions with your kids, offering practical tips to ensure a successful and engaging experience for both parents and children.
As adults, we know how rewarding it can feel to achieve a goal so it can be a fun thing to do together as a family to motivate one another. Here are some tips to keep in mind when making resolutions together:
1. Leading by Example
Children are keen observers, learning by watching the actions of their parents. Leading by example is a powerful tool for instilling positive habits in your child's life.
Consider setting resolutions that align with your child's well-being, such as limiting screen time during family activities or engaging in regular physical activities together.
Establishing a mutual accountability system is key, encouraging your child to remind you of your goals while reciprocating the support for theirs.
2. Crafting Individual & Family Goals
Building a sense of togetherness within the family is crucial when creating New Year's resolutions.
Explore the concept of setting goals together. For instance, committing to spending quality time together, engaging in weekly board game nights, embarking on Sunday family hikes, or maintaining a healthy diet on weeknights are excellent family-oriented resolutions.
Reflecting on the past year's achievements and encouraging each family member to share their personal growth will provide a foundation for setting new goals.
3. Tailoring Resolutions for Different Ages
Age-appropriate resolutions are vital to ensure that goals are realistic and achievable for every family member.
Goals such as ‘I want to go to Antarctica’ or ‘I want to have a million dollars’ aren’t feasible for a 9-year-old who doesn’t have a job or a bank account. Here are some examples of goals for different age groups:
For ages 3-7:
· I will make my bed every day.
· I will learn how to ride a bike.
· I’m going to learn how to skate.
· I want to learn how to read.
· I will try new foods (this is where you could suggest they be more specific – such as adding they will try new fruits and vegetables).
For ages 8-12:
· I will read for 15 min every night.
· I will learn how to bake cookies.
· I will learn how to play a new sport.
· I will exercise at least 3 days a week for 20 minutes.
· I will eat at least 2 fruits and vegetables every day.
For teens:
· I will get 7 hours of sleep a night
· I will volunteer for at least one day a month.
· I will get a job and save x amount of money each month.
· I will limit my screen time to 2 hours each night.
· I will eat at least 4 fruits and vegetables every day.
· I will exercise at least 3 days a week.
· I will improve my grade in ‘this subject’
For families:
· To eat one meal a day together
· No screen time for 1 hour a day together.
· Exercise together one day a week (hike, sport, etc).
· Family games night
Once you’ve each brainstormed 1-2 resolutions, take this cute idea from ‘Blessed Beyond a Doubt’ and display each goal on your fridge as magnets as gentle reminders and regular check-ins to help celebrate achievements and provide support during setbacks.
Or list them together on a calendar and put them in a common area for check-ins which leads me to my next suggestion…
4. Weekly Check-ins for Sustainable Progress
Maintaining momentum and addressing challenges are crucial aspects of successful goal setting. Regular check-ins provide an opportunity for reflection and adjustment, reframing any lapses as learning experiences.
Here’s a template that I found which is a great idea to help you and your child keep track of how you’re doing with each resolution.
If this is your child’s first time setting resolutions or goals, and/or if they (or you) need a little motivation, create a monthly or weekly reward if you stay on track.
In conclusion, as your family embarks on the journey of a new year, the process of creating resolutions together not only strengthens your bond but also promotes growth, perseverance, and shared accomplishments. Through leading by example, creating meaningful goals, tailoring resolutions for different ages, and conducting regular check-ins, families can lay the foundation for a transformative and fulfilling year.
Have you made any New Year’s resolutions for 2024 with your child? Send me an email and let me know how it’s going – julie@diamondteachersgroup.ca.