The new year is a great time to help your child create some new positive habits and get rid of some bad ones. Talk with your child about what they want to focus on in this new year. What do they want to learn or take responsibility for? This is about them and not about you. You can guide them by asking questions and adding in some ideas of things you want them to do but this is their list. Don’t give them a long list of things that need to change. Help them create a list of 3 things they can be responsible for changing.
To make this process fun, I created a simple, printable form. This form has space for 3 goals, that is plenty for a child to undertake at one time. Also since it has been proven that it takes 21 days of consistency to create a habit, each goal is followed by a chart. Each day that the child accomplishes the goal they can mark off one numbered space. You can just cross it out or you could even put a small sticker on it. The choice is up to you! Just click on this picture to download your chart.
We all know how hard it is to stick to out New Year’s Resolutions so, when they forget something they are trying to work on, gently remind them of their resolution and let them work it out. Do not hold these resolutions over their heads like a bunch of strict rulesthat must be followed “or else”. If your child seems to be having a hard time with a certain resolution, talk with them about it. Why is it so hard? What can you, as the parent do to help them improve in this area?
A child who successfully makes changes in their own life at a young age will feel empowered to improve other things in their lives. The goal here is accomplishment and success not more harsh rules and possible punishments. Living out your new year’s resolutions is a process that takes time.
Here are some suggestions for New Year’s Resolutions for School-aged children:
- Pick up my room before supper every day
- Stop picking their nose
- Learn to do the laundry
- Complete my homework without complaining
- Try new fruits and/or vegetables
- Learn to fold the towels
- Keep my hands out of my mouth
- Wear my bike helmet every time I am on my bike
- Learn to sweep the floors
- Be helpful to others in my home
- Go to bed on time without fussing
- Get 60 minutes of physical activity
- Learn to feed the dog/cat/hamster…
- Do my chores without being reminded
- Read for 30 minutes
Of course, every child and every family is different-use this list as a springboard for ideas you can discuss with your child.
Happy New Year!
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