For many of us the new year is a time we take stock of our lives and look to change the things we don’t like. It can also be a great opportunity for children to learn the importance of goal setting and practice self discipline by attempting to reach these goals. After all that 2020 has thrown at us I’m sure that 2021 will be a year of seizing the moment, taking chances and revisiting plans we had previously put on hold. Resolutions don’t have to be about losing weight or learning an instrument, they can be a commitment to spend more quality time with family or watch less TV, to smile more or eat less meat. Any change, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Below are some tips on how you can make resolution setting a fun activity with your children this half term.
Make it a family affair
Start a family tradition. Sit down and reflect on the past year together, discussing your accomplishments and goals as a family and individuals, no matter how small. It may help if you go first to model this for your child. Writing down your accomplishments and achievements is a nice way to keep and reflect on your accomplishments in the future.
Resolutions are not just for January
Progression charts and regular check-ins throughout the year will help your kids to reach their goals and gives them a sense of achievement and encouragement to stick at it.
Rewards go a long way
Children relish the thrill of accomplishment, especially when their parents are acknowledging it. Take time to recognise successes regularly, along with highlighting resolutions that need more attention.
And on December 31st..
If your child hasn’t fulfilled their resolutions it’s OK. Setting and working towards any goal is a meaningful and important experience. Celebrate the wins and help them to set more achievable resolutions next year.
Resolution Inspiration
As a family – Going for family walks/hikes regularly, volunteering in the community, playing games together once a week, eating dinner around the table each evening and discussing your day (adults as well as children).
Individual – Learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby, helping more with housework, keeping a journal, reading before bed every night, using the computer/computer games less, trying a new vegetable each month.