In January of each year, many people make New Year’s resolutions, often feeling defeated if they don’t follow through. While resolutions are great at any age, children find them more daunting. How can parents introduce children to New Year’s resolutions without pressuring them or setting them up for failure?

Families benefit from sitting together before making resolutions and establishing realistic guidelines. Parents should lead by example. Here are some strategies to help everyone keep their New Year’s resolutions. 

Parents Can Partner with Children

Serve as a role model by making resolutions with your child. For instance, you could say, “We’ll only have dessert three days a week” or “We’ll spend one hour each night with our phones shut off.” 

Family resolutions could include volunteering at a charity or spending a day outdoors each month. One or two parent/child resolutions are enough. Focus on goals that benefit both parents and children and are easier to achieve when working together. 

Help Children Set Realistic Goals

Begin with broad categories like home, school, friends, or family, then narrow those ideas down. Ensure your child’s chosen activity is achievable and meaningful. If they’re a C student, becoming an A student may be too challenging; suggest they aim for a B average as a more attainable goal. 

Stay Positive and Regularly Discuss Children’s Progress

Maintain a positive attitude and regularly discuss your children’s progress. Celebrate their achievements and provide support when they encounter challenges. By doing so, you can help them stay motivated and committed to their resolutions. 

Families can gather monthly to discuss their progress on resolutions. If goals aren’t being met, family members can offer support and suggest alternative strategies. Children may find it easier to keep resolutions if they feel it’s a team effort. If they’re struggling, avoid being accusatory or preachy. Instead, let them know that every day is a fresh start. 

Keep the List Short and Focused

One or two resolutions are usually sufficient. Have your child select the most important ones. Avoid vague or general resolutions. For instance, “I’m going to help more around the house” is too broad, while “I’m going to clear the table after dinner” is specific, manageable, focused, and easier to accomplish. 

Johns Hopkins provides some realistic and achievable resolutions for kids and families that can guide parents, including: 

For kids:

• I’m going to read for 30 minutes before bed instead of watching TV.
• I will drink water or other healthy beverages like milk with meals. I will keep soda and fruit drinks only for special times.

For families:

• We’re going to start a family activity together like game night, craft night, etc.

• We’re going to volunteer as a family. Choose a group or charity to support, and volunteer every month or on a timeline that works for the whole family.

By learning to make and maintain New Year’s resolutions from a young age, children are more likely to continue this tradition into adulthood. Setting thoughtful and strategic annual goals is a valuable skill that can lead to success at any age.