New Year’s Resolutions.
They aren’t for just adults!
By: Garrett Wilhelm
As the new year approaches, many of us make resolutions to improve ourselves in some way. Whether it's exercising more, eating healthier, or learning a new skill, resolutions can be a great way to set goals and motivate ourselves to make positive changes.
But what about our children? While they may not fully understand the concept of resolutions, there are still ways we can involve them in the process and help them develop healthy habits and good decision-making skills.
Here are a few tips for setting new year's resolutions with young children:
Make it age-appropriate: Keep in mind that young children may not have the same level of understanding or ability to set long-term goals as older kids or adults. Instead of asking them to make a resolution for the entire year, consider setting shorter-term goals that are more realistic and achievable. This could be something like "I will brush my teeth every day" or "I will be kind to my siblings."
Involve them in the process: Sit down with your child and talk about what they would like to work on in the new year. Maybe they want to learn how to ride a bike or be more responsible with their homework. Help them come up with a specific resolution that is meaningful to them and that they can work towards.
Use positive language: When talking about resolutions with your child, be sure to use positive language and focus on the benefits of making positive changes. Instead of saying "I want you to stop whining," say "I want you to use your big-kid words to ask for what you need." This will help your child feel more motivated and empowered to make positive changes.
Celebrate small victories: As your child works towards their resolution, be sure to celebrate their progress and successes along the way. This could be something as simple as praising them for remembering to brush their teeth every day or giving them a sticker for using their big-kid words. Recognizing their efforts will help keep them motivated and encourage them to continue working towards their goal.
Be a role model: Children learn by watching and imitating the adults in their lives. If you want to encourage your child to set healthy habits and make positive changes, be sure to model those behaviors yourself. This will give your child a good example to follow and show them that making positive changes is important and achievable.
Setting new year's resolutions with young children can be a great opportunity to teach them about goal-setting, healthy habits, and good decision-making. By involving them in the process, using positive language, celebrating their successes, and being a good role model, you can help your child develop important skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.