WELCOME 2014
A new year can mean new resolutions for both children and
adults alike. Children are never too young to participate in setting
New Year’s resolutions. In fact, parents and children may have more success if
they make New Year’s resolutions as a family, with every family member having a
specific part, and all are accountable for them.
When planning, it is important to set resolutions or
goals that are clear, achievable and measurable. Resolutions can be made at any age, but it may be most
effective to start with school-aged children. Parents
should ask them, ‘What’s something you want to be better or different this
year?’ and help them map out how to get there.
Some helpful reminders for
parents helping children with New Years Resolutions (and sticking to them):
1. Set goals that
are clear, achievable and measurable for the child and his/her abilities - talk about making them specific. If a child wants to
do better in school, have him pick a specific subject. Set a goal. “I will do
better in school by raising my grade in science from a 3 to a 4” or “I will study two nights
before every Spelling test instead of just the night before.”
2.
Consider setting goals as a family, with every person
doing his/her own part – this is a great lesson for teamwork AND for
all working together towards a common goal. Sitting down for dinner, going out
once a week as a family, or each sharing a chore at home are great examples
that involve everyone.
3. Avoid setting
too many goals - A long list
of resolutions is simply too overwhelming. Young
children should focus on one thing they want to improve and older
children should limit it to two or three. Talk with your children about
what is most important and focus on those. Then maybe take your own advice and
set few for yourself, too.
4. Write Those Resolutions Down - Writing things
down makes them more real. Write down the resolutions in either a private
journal if your child wants it to be private or on a piece of paper that is
posted someplace visible if your child doesn't mind everyone seeing. Older
children could possibly begin a journal to track their resolution journey.
5. Follow up
periodically to see how children are doing with their goals; Trouble-shoot
challenges together - Ask your
children how their resolutions are coming along. Suggest ways that they can
stick to their resolutions. If they mess up, encourage them to try again. Let
them know that January 1st is not the only day for resolutions. They can start
them, or re-start them, whenever they want.
6.
Reward children for success along the way - Verbal praise
goes a long way! Sticking by our resolutions provides parents with an
invaluable opportunity to teach children that rewards not always have to be
tangible. Children can learn early on that the reward itself is perseverance,
and knowing that something they set their mind to can be done.
7.
Be an
Example For Your Kids - Do you have your own resolutions? Share one of them
with your children. Then do your best to follow through with it. Compare
resolution notes with your children from time to time. Encourage each other. Remember,
parents are mentors for setting resolutions. Model the type of behavior you want as
a family and everyone will be more successful.
Here’s to a
happy, healthy and successful 2014 for all of us!
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