The start of the new year is a time for new beginnings, and many people start the year off with a list of resolutions to follow throughout 2016.
It’s not just adults who craft a list of things to improve during the year. According to Christine Carter, author of Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents, kids aged 7-12 are at the ideal stage to learn to make resolutions. “They’re still young enough that their habits are not firm. They’re old enough to think about what a New Year’s resolution is and to make their own — yet parents can still help guide them. They’re not going to get the same backlash as from a teenager.”
Making resolutions with your children can be fun and exciting, a time for growth and change, and an opportunity for family bonding. Check out some new year’s resolutions suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics and help guide and encourage your little one to reach their goal by Dec. 31, 2016.
Behavior
- I will never encourage or even watch bullying, and will join with others in telling bullies to stop.
- I will help out in my community – through giving some of my time to help others, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.
- I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
Health
- I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day, and I will drink sodas only at special times.
- I will put on sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright, sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.
- I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week!
Family
- I will try to talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I have a problem or feel stressed.
- I promise to follow our household rules for videogames and internet use.
- I will clean up my room and put my things where they belong.