As the new year begins, many make resolutions to improve our lives. Whether improving our health or adopting a more disciplined lifestyle, there is still room for improvement.
Besides improving our lives, New Year’s resolutions can also help our kids develop a better understanding of discipline and goals. Here are a few suggestions to help your kids make their own resolutions.
Do it as a Family
One of the best ways to teach your kids about the importance of resolutions is by having them participate in a family tradition. Each December, start a conversation about the past year and discuss your goals and achievements. You can then talk about what worked and what didn’t.
Family members are encouraged to share their accomplishments and goals. If children are old enough to write, they should also list their goals and achievements. You can help your younger child accomplish the same by writing down their own goals.
Consider Your Child’s Age
The goals your child can work on depending on you and their age. For instance, if they are concerned about their diet, encourage them to eat healthily and eat well. If they are also worried about their room’s cleanliness, try to help them clean it at least once a day.
As they age, they can start setting goals and making them more significant. Your child’s goals are personal, so work with them to identify areas of improvement. For instance, if your child is having trouble with a particular subject at school, you should talk to them about it.
Be a Role Model
Having the lead can also help your child understand the value of setting goals. Just like with everything else in life, your child is watching.
Try to include your child in your resolutions. If one of your goals is to drink more water, ask them if they would also like to join. Moreover, if you want to make more time for your family, ask them to help you out by possibly telling you to get off your phone or put away your laptop.
Set a Reward
We all know how satisfying it is to reach a goal, whether quitting smoking or losing weight. Children also relish the feeling of accomplishment, as their parents are likely to acknowledge it. As you review your family’s resolutions, take the time to recognize the achievements and reinforce those that need more attention.
While reviewing your resolutions is important, it’s also important to be flexible. If the child is making an effort, then understanding is essential.