Another new year and another set of resolutions is coming your way, as an individual and maybe as a parent as well. But your children may also want to create a set of resolutions for the new year, whether they be big or small. And no matter your children’s age, it’s a great way to teach them responsibility, thinking ahead and gaining some life skills along the way!
Starting Small
For younger children, obviously you’re not going to go too big on what they can accomplish all year long. Some chore-like resolutions like making the bed everyday or cleaning up after themselves after playing can be great items. You can also hang up a whiteboard in their rooms where they can check off what they did for that day, helping them to feel more accomplished. Depending on your child’s age, you may have to show them the best way to clean up their toys after playing, or how to make the bed. You can show them how you keep your stuff organized and put away, and make sure your children have the proper storage space for all their belongings. This can also be an opportunity for you and your child to go through some of their toys and clothes and get rid of some old stuff to make room.
Getting Creative
If your child loves to do something, like reading or math or spelling, use that as a foundation for their resolutions. It’ll help keep them excited throughout the year in accomplishing their goals and enjoying themselves. If they like to read, a resolution could be to read more, setting an achievable number for them that’s a little more than what they usually read so they do have to work for it. If they seem to enjoy counting and basic math, there are plenty of games and activities they can add to their regular schoolwork as a resolution. Completing a certain number of counting games for the year is one way to start. If your child enjoys writing stories or making art, set a reasonable and attainable number of stories or art pieces for the year. This can get them excited to work on what’s already fun, and give them incentive to potentially complete more than what’s required. If your child isn’t a fan of some of the activities, it can also be a great way to slowly introduce them to it without overwhelming them. Having them complete a couple of these activities for the year will sound doable for most kids and may help them discover a new love they didn’t realize they enjoyed!
Endless Possibilities!
There are so many small and large activities that you children can make goals for years to come! Remember to keep it realistic while also giving them an opportunity to put some effort into it. If your children are small enough, having slightly easier resolutions may make it more enjoyable for them in the first few years, but make sure as they grow up that it fits their age goals.
Katie Kyzivat