New Year’s resolutions are a great way to encourage your kids to make a change for the better. The New Year is a time of contemplation, even for kids as young as 8 or 9. Encourage this self-reflection in your child, and help them use it to spark a positive change. With a bit of encouragement, a resolution can become a lifelong habit.
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New Year’s Resolutions for Kids
22nd Dec 2014
Start a Conversation
Positive changes have a much better chance of sticking if your kids come up with a resolution on their own. You can guide them in this process, but ultimately the choice is theirs. Start the conversation by asking questions like “What brought you the most joy this past year?” or “Of what achievement are you proudest?” From here you can switch gears and ask about areas that may need improvement. Once your child starts thinking about their strengths and weaknesses, they’ll have plenty of ideas for resolutions.
Make a Plan
Your little one’s resolution is more likely to be successful if they have a specific plan about how to achieve it. Far too many resolutions fall by the wayside around February. Making an incremental plan with your child will help them follow through. Keep checking up on them and encouraging their progress, especially in the early stages.
Lead by Example
Another great way to encourage your kids? Set a positive example by making your own resolution and following through on it. Be open about your struggles and successes, present and past – this will allow your kids to be honest about the challenges they face. Certain resolutions, like losing weight or reading more, can apply to the entire family. Working in tandem with your kids is a great way to have fun together while keeping each other on track for success.
Psychologists generally agree it takes about 3 months to form a habit. This means you’ll want to give your child a lot of encouragement and support in the beginning. By March or April, your child will find that their resolution has become ingrained in their daily or weekly routine. They’ll see proof that that with work and dedication they can accomplish their goals. Good luck, and Happy New Year!
