Resolution: Make Things Better!

 

Seldom do we end a year or start a new one on The PediaBlog without making lists of New Year’s resolutions. This year, Talking Parents takes a cue from pediatricians:

New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to motivate your kids, helping them start the year off on the right foot. That’s according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which encourages parents to sit down with their children to come up with healthy goals for the new year. You and your co-parent can discuss New Year’s resolutions with your kids and then communicate with each other about how you can help them reach their goals.

 

The days between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a good time for reflecting on the past and looking forward to a happy and healthy year ahead. Parents can help their children make New Year’s resolutions that reinforce desirable behaviors and develop healthy and lasting habits…

10 healthy New Year’s resolution ideas for preschoolers

1. I will clean up my toys before bed.

2. I will brush my teeth twice a day.

3. I will follow rules at school.

4. I will help take care of family pets.

5. I will wash my hands after using the bathroom and before I eat.

6. I will put my clothes away.

7. I will listen to my parents.

8. I will be nice to kids who seem sad.

9. I will help clear the table.

10. I will not whine or complain when I don’t get my way.

 

… instill a sense of personal responsibility and accountability…

10 healthy New Year’s resolution ideas for school-age children

1. I will make my bed each morning.

2. I will eat vegetables twice a day.

3. I will always complete my homework.

4. I will not stay up past my bedtime.

5. I will help with laundry and dishes.

6. I will exercise for 30 minutes each day.

7. I will try to make friends with kids who seem left out.

8. I will pack my lunch for school.

9. I will read before bed each night.

10. I will not use bad words.

 

… and keep an eye on the biggest goal of all for the new year and beyond: Try and make the world a better place, but above all, don’t make it worse!

10 healthy New Year’s resolution ideas for teenagers

1. I will get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.

2. I will study more and get better grades.

3. I will help cook family meals.

4. I will not give in to peer pressure.

5. I will wash the car when it needs to be cleaned.

6. I will limit recreational screentime to two hours each day.

7. I will volunteer at least once a month.

8. I will consume less sugar.

9. I will join a school or community organization/club.

10. I will be kind to my peers.

 

Once these resolution ideas are shared with the kids, their parents can then think about making some attainable parenting resolutions for themselves. We’ll take a look at New Year’s resolutions for parents tomorrow on The PediaBlog.

 

(Red and Rover by Brian Basset at GoComics.com)

 

source http://www.thepediablog.com/2022/12/26/resolution-make-things-better/