The beginning of a new year is not just a time for adults to reflect on their personal growth and set resolutions—it can also be an excellent opportunity for kids to embark on their own journeys towards self-improvement!
But how do you turn a fun holiday into an opportunity to teach young children the importance of resolutions? Read on to learn how with a bit of guiding parental involvement and lots of fun, you’ll help set achievable goals for your child this year.
How to Set New Year’s Resolutions for Kids
Initiate the Conversation
Engaging children in conversations about resolutions should be positive and encouraging. Begin by asking open-ended questions like, “Is there something you’d like to achieve or improve this year?” This approach makes the idea of resolutions feel less like a chore and more like an exciting conversation. It may help to explain to your child that you’ve also set a goal for yourself for the new year. Oftentimes, children are eager to be just like their mom or dad!
If your child is having a hard time coming up with goals or resolutions on their own, suggest things like reading more bedtime stories before bed, brushing their teeth twice a day, or practicing kindness towards others.
Make Setting Resolutions Fun
Children love when things are full of fun, so why not turn resolution-setting into a playful activity? Consider creating a “resolution board” together, where kids can use colorful markers and stickers to illustrate their goals. It encourages them to be creative and expressive while instilling in them a sense of independence.
One of their “goals” could even be to just complete their resolution boards, allowing them to start the year off with an early win!
Help Keep Them on Track
Once your child has decided on their resolutions, keeping them motivated and on track is key. Establish a visible tracking system, like a chart or a calendar, where they can mark their progress. This could be stars that they get to put on their calendar or a box they get to fill in. The more fun it is to “cross off” the steps towards a resolution, the more likely they’ll want to work towards them.
Remember to celebrate milestones and achievements along the way to reinforce their efforts. While it’s important to encourage consistency, communicate with them that everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect, so it’s okay to not hit certain goals. At the end of the day, the real goal is the act of working towards them and improving in the first place!
Deal With Setbacks
It’s essential to teach kids that setbacks are a natural part of any journey. If they’re feeling discouraged about the fact they aren’t hitting their resolutions, reassure them that it’s completely okay! Use it as an opportunity to reflect on what might have prevented them from achieving their goals, and then encourage them to adapt and try again. It’s a great opportunity to teach your kids the importance of perseverance, especially in the face of a situation they find challenging.
Lead by Example
In the school of life, you are your child’s first teacher, and most of the things they learn early in their development are things they observe and copy from you. That’s why it’s so important to lead by example. Show them your commitment to your own personal resolutions, and they’ll likely mirror that behavior. Choose your words and actions carefully—try to speak positively about the year ahead and the goals you both have set.
Happy New Year!
Introducing kids to resolutions is a great way to instill habits of self-improvement and goal-setting early on. By creating a supportive environment that emphasizes effort over perfection, we can nurture their confidence and determination. Remember, the goal isn’t just to achieve resolutions but to foster a mindset of growth and empowerment that will benefit them far beyond the new year.
If you’re interested in even more enrichment opportunities for your child, consider enrolling them in daycare. At Cornerstone Academy, we use imagination and education to foster independence in kids of all ages.
