*Flashback Friday*

*This post originally appeared on The PediaBlog on December 30, 2020.

 

Resolved: 2021 2022 Will Be Better

 

 

It’s been a rough year, so it’s not farfetched to expect that 2021 (The Year of the Ox on the Chinese zodiac calendar) will be far better in every respect than 2020 (The Year of the Rat, fittingly). [2022 is the Year of the Tiger.] Having made it through intact, KidsKonnect encourages parents to keep the enthusiasm and optimism high, “to give hope to our kids for the things that follow in the new year.” One way is to help them make a list of New Year’s resolutions:

To do this, we have to remind children to look favorably to the future, and making New Year’s resolutions for kids is a great way to achieve this. For kids, resolutions are more than just goals, although this really depends on their age. Commonly, New Year’s resolutions for kids is a way for children to create healthy habits and achieve milestones in their development.

 

New Year’s resolutions for kids can help them acquire new skills and desirable behaviors, and instill four important traits of maturity:

• Self-reflection: “This is why I want to improve.”

• Self-awareness: “I’m here but I want to be there. This is what I need to get there.”

• Self-discipline: “I must be persistent, patient, stay on track, and work hard if I want to achieve something.”

• Self-esteem: “I’m capable of achieving my goals.”

Beyond this, kids will also improve their problem-solving skills, develop a positive mindset toward their abilities, and have more control over things.

 

Maria Adcock offers 12 resolution ideas for young kids to develop healthy and lasting habits in the new year:

1.  I will help my family by cleaning up after myself.

2.  I will learn to wash my hands properly and do so after using the restroom and before eating.

3.  I will drink mostly water or milk when I am thirsty and save juice or soda for special occasions.

4.  I will try to play outdoors or do something active for at least 30 minutes every day instead of watching TV or playing video games.

5.  I will wear my helmet every single time I ride my bike/skateboard/scooter.

6.  I will wear my seatbelt without an argument each time I ride in the car.

7.  I will do my best to stay safe from strangers and will not share my name, address, phone number, or photo on the internet.

8.  I will do my best to help my community in whatever way I can, including giving to those in need.

9.  I will encourage others not to bully and report any bullying I see to a responsible adult.

10.  I will do my best to be friendly and kind, especially when other kids look like they need a friend.

11.  I will be respectful of the cultures of others.

12.  If I’m having trouble making a decision, I will ask for help from an adult I can trust.

 

Marshall Bright suggests four resolutions that can make the coming year better for everyone in the family:

• Cut Back On Screen Time

• Conquer Clutter

• Spend More Time Outside

• Connect More And Do Less

 

Isadora Baum wants to ensure that 2021 is a year to remember and appreciate with these New Year’s resolutions:

• Find 3 things you appreciate each day.

Focusing on three positive things a day helps parents and children look for things that were good and memorable from each day, and they can then share those together as a family.

• Create a ritual for a day of the week.

Stay connected as a family in the new year with a weekly ritual. “Maybe pizza night? Or movie night? Or baking night?” suggests Healy. No matter what, it should be “something fun you can enjoy together…”

The goal is to have something to look forward to each week and add some more fun into your normally packed schedule. A night to relax together and remember how much you truly love each other will benefit everyone.

• Encourage healthy eating.

• Work on a project together.

• Put down the electronics.

• Give back to others.

 

Read the American Academy of Pediatrics’ suggested New Year’s resolutions for preschoolers, kids 5-12 years old, and teenagers before the new year begins [updated December 2021].

 

(GoComics)

 

source http://www.thepediablog.com/2021/12/31/flashback-friday-187/