New Years Resolutions for Children of All Ages

New Year’s resolutions are great for kids and teens as they sometimes need to make these promises to themselves and you, in order to organize their goals for the coming year.  

 

Here are some great tips to help your child choose specific, achievable resolutions to set them up for success in the New Year.  

 

First, start off by explaining what a resolution is and giving examples of ones they have set in past years.  You don’t want your child to feel like something is wrong with them now; instead, frame the conversation as something that could be done better.  If your child suggests well-intentioned but vague ideas like “be healthier” try to help them develop those ideas into tangible actions that can be done every day such as “spend 30 minutes outside every day”.

 

Next, make sure to remember that resolutions should always be discussed in a positive way.  For example, their resolution should be worded, “I’m going to do this…” instead of “I’m going to STOP doing this…”

 

Some Great Pediatric Resolutions Include:

 

Healthier Eating - Target an area you and your child need to improve upon and discuss why it is important.  If you want to eat less fast food, talk about what you are going to eat instead.  Or if your child is trying to eat more vegetables, agree on a specific number for the day or week. 

 

Examples of some specific New Year’s Resolution in regards to healthier eating:

  • “I’m going to drink two glasses of milk each day instead of soda or juice”
  • “I’m going to eat two pieces of fruit at lunch each time”

More physical activity (exercise) - this is always a good resolution but keep in mind that the work “exercise” can be boring.  Try to make it sound fun so your child is more likely to stick to it such as: 

  • “I’m going to join a soccer team” 

 

Screen time - It is not enough to simply say “we are going to decrease screen time”.  Quanitfy how much you and your child will reduce and what they will be doing instead such as: 

  • “I’m going to limit screen time to 30 minutes per day and read before bed instead of watching TV”

 

Social Resolutions - A social resolution should always be tailored to your child and an area where they would like to improve upon. 

 

Great examples of these are:

  • “I’m going to do one random act of kindness a week”
  • “I’m going to talk to one person at school I’ve never met each week”

 

Helping around the house - Committing to chores is always smart as it makes kids feel needed and useful.  Plus, you’ll get a little help around the house!

 

Examples of these resolutions include: 

 

  • “I’m going to set the table for dinner every night”
  • “I’m going to make my bed every morning”

 

Educational resolutions - Learning new skills is always a great resolution and can be a great source of family time. 

 

Examples of these include: 

 

  • “I’m going to learn how to make chocolate chip cookies”
  • “I’m going to learn how to speak Spanish”

 

Family time - commit to spending more time as a family!

  • “We’re going to have game night every Saturday”
  • “We’re going to eat dinner together every weekday”

 

Don’t forget, that when it comes to resolutions, it is important for you, the parent, to lead by example and don’t be afraid to adjust your goals along the way if they’re becoming stale or if you actually accomplish them!

 

Check out this great podcast on RadioMD by Dr. David Hill on helping your child keep their New Year’s Resolution!

 

Contact Us Here for Non-Healthcare Related Questions

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed