Help your kids make New Years Resolutions

 Well, the new year is here and it is the perfect time to help your kids make 2017 the year to reach some goals.

  Have you ever sat down and just asked your kids what interests them? Or what they would like to accomplish for the year?  If your kids are like mine they may say something like, “I don’t know” or they may surprise you.  A fun way that I found to help kids focus and create some excitement about goals is by brainstorming.

• How to Brain storm

  • Get a giant post it and have them (or you) write one thing they love on each post it and stick them all around the room.  This is meant to be done very quickly….just empty their brain as fast as possible. Once they have exhausted the list you can begin to narrow things down.
  • Under each item ask them to write all the things they want to do with each item or thing this year.  (Example: Title is Dogs, they may list things like walk the dog, play with, feed or they may say something like save up money to buy one….)
  • After you have brainstormed with them on each list have them pick their 3 favorite lists and let them run with it.  You might want to get a wall calendar so they can mark deadlines and goal dates to help them stay on track with the goals.

Fun is Our Middle Name

Helping kids make New Year’s resolutions is beneficial for several reasons:

1. Goal Setting Skills: It teaches them the importance of setting goals and aspirations, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.
2. Responsibility: Encourages a sense of responsibility as they commit to achieving specific objectives and taking ownership of their actions.
3. Self-Discipline: Instills the value of self-discipline and perseverance as they work towards accomplishing their resolutions.
4. Personal Growth: Facilitates personal growth by challenging them to step out of their comfort zones and try new activities or develop new skills.
5. Time Management: Promotes the development of effective time management skills as they allocate time and effort towards their resolutions.
6. Self-Reflection: Encourages self-reflection, helping kids understand their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
7. Building Confidence: Achieving resolutions boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, reinforcing the idea that they have the ability to make positive changes.
8. Life Skills: Introduces them to important life skills such as planning, organization, and perseverance.
9. Positive Habits: Instills the importance of cultivating positive habits early on, fostering a healthy and productive lifestyle.

New Year’s Resolutions are a time for reflection and goal setting.

1. Sense of Achievement: Celebrate resolutions to provide tangible sense of achievement, reinforcing the idea that hard work pays off.
2. Values Development: Encourages the development of values such as resilience, determination, and the importance of personal well-being.
3. Family Bonding: Involving parents or guardians in the resolution-setting process can strengthen family bonds and communication.
4. Long-Term Planning: Introduces the concept of long-term planning, encouraging kids to think about their future and set goals accordingly.
5. Fun and Creativity: Resolutions can be a fun and creative activity, allowing kids to express themselves and what brings them joy.
6. Positive Outlook: Focusing on resolutions promotes a positive outlook, instilling optimism and a belief in their ability to shape their lives positively.

It is so much fun to see how creative your kids can be.  They may just need a little help realizing they want to do more.

Happy brainstorming!

Alechia