The New Year is an excellent time to discuss realistic goal-setting with your children. Learning to work toward long-term, positive change is a valuable life skill for people of all ages, from preschoolers to adults.
Unfortunately, many New Year's resolutions fail before the end of the month. This is mainly due to a lack of basic foundation in terms of creating support and accountability. Here's how you may make age-appropriate family resolutions for a healthier and happier year ahead.
Set SMART objectives.
Instead of traditional resolutions, try setting SMART goals, which are as follows:
- Specific: Write out exactly what you aim to accomplish (instead of "running faster" think "run a 5k in under 30 minutes").
- Measurable: How will you track your progress and assess whether you were successful?
- Achievable: Your objectives do not have to be easy, but they must be feasible. Do you have the resources and abilities to turn your idea become a reality?
- Relevant: Does this aim contribute to your overall focus and purpose in life?
- Time-bound: Set a deadline for yourself. Aim to meet milestones by specific dates.
Preschoolers' New Year's Resolutions
Long-term goals may be difficult to achieve for children aged 3 to 5. Thinking of a few minor goals to focus on each day, on the other hand, is a smart method for this age group. Set up a sticker chart on the fridge to help children stay on track with their goals. You can even plan a prize if they are successful.
Here are some examples of age-appropriate preschool goals:
- At the end of the day, before sleep, I shall clean up my toys.
- I'll clean my teeth twice a day, once after breakfast and once before bed.
- After using the restroom and before eating, I shall wash my hands.
- I will try every item on my plate, even if it is only one bite.
- I will spend at least five minutes per day practising my letters and numbers.
School-Aged Children's Goals
Making resolutions is also a pleasant exercise for school-age children (kindergarten through middle school).
Here are some suggestions to get your child started:
- I'll consume basic milk and water, with soda and fruit drinks limited to once a day or fewer.
- When it's sunny outside, I'll put on sunscreen. I'll store it near the door so I remember to use it before leaving.
- I'll choose a sport (such as basketball or soccer) or an activity (such as tag, jumping rope, dancing, or riding my bike) that I can perform at least three times per week.
- When bicycling, I will always wear a helmet.
- I will always wear my seat belt when I get into a car.
- At least 30 minutes before night, I will turn off electronic gadgets such as iPads, television, and video games.
- I intend to read at least one book per month.
Teenage New Year's Resolutions
Teenagers are old enough to make their own New Year's resolutions. However, they may require some direction to ensure that they are setting realistic goals. Speaking with your adolescent about their resolutions allows you to bond and learn about what is important to them.
Here are some ideas for your teen to work on:
-Every day, I will consume at least one fruit and one vegetable.
- I plan to be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes per day.
- I will limit my time spent playing video games or watching television to one to two hours per day.
- I plan to give back to my community through volunteering or working with community organisations.
- I will eliminate negative "self-talk" (for example, "I can't do it" or "I'm so stupid") from my vocabulary.
- When driving, I'll put my phone in the glove compartment so I'm not tempted to check text messages or make phone calls.
- I'll open a savings account and try to save a particular amount of money each month.
- I will not check social media notifications after I go to bed.
Family Resolutions for the New Year
What about making some New Year's Resolutions as a family? Include your children in the goal-setting process to improve your relationships and create good habits together.
Here are some suggestions:
- We will only eat fast food twice a month or fewer.
- We'll incorporate at least one fresh fruit snack into our daily routine.
- Every weeknight, we will spend 30 minutes outside playing together. We'll play an active game indoors if the weather is poor.
- A few months from now, we will choose a fun run/walk or 5K, sign up, train as a family, and participate in it together.
- Four days a week, we will enjoy a meal (dinner or breakfast) together. We will not be using cell phones at the table.
- Every Sunday night, we will play a board game together to bond and spend quality time together.
