The New Year is a time for fresh starts, and it’s not just for adults! For kids, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about setting goals and building good habits in a way that’s exciting, not overwhelming.
As a parent, you can guide your children in this process, turning what could be a chore into a fun and rewarding family activity. Let’s reframe “resolutions” as simply “goals” and work together to make this a year of positive growth for everyone.
Make resolutions together as a family
The key to success with kids’ resolutions is making it a team effort. Sitting down as a family to choose one or two goals helps your child feel involved and motivated. It becomes less about a parent’s expectation and more about a shared family value. This approach also allows you to model how to set and achieve goals, a valuable life skill.
How to Set Goals for Success: The SMART-y Pants Method
To make resolutions stick, they need to be clear and manageable. You can use the SMART goal framework. Here’s a kid-friendly breakdown:
- S – Specific: Be precise. Instead of a vague goal like “be healthier,” aim for something concrete like, “I will try one new vegetable every week.”
- M – Measurable: How will you know you’ve achieved it? A goal like “I will read for 20 minutes every night” is easy to track.
- A – Achievable: The goal should be realistic. Starting with “I will do one act of kindness each day” is more attainable than trying to solve world hunger overnight.
- R – Relevant: Does this goal matter to your child? Giving them a choice in the matter is crucial. Their excitement and commitment will be much higher if it’s a goal they genuinely want to achieve.
- T – Timely: Set a timeframe. A goal like “I will learn to tie my shoes by the end of January” gives a clear target to work towards.
It’s also important to keep goals positive. Instead of focusing on what to avoid, frame them as things you want to do, like “I will learn a new word every day.”
Make it Visual & Fun!
Tracking progress can be just as fun as setting the goal itself! Consider these creative ideas:
- Sticker Charts: A classic for a reason! Let your child add a sticker for each day they work towards their goal.
- Resolution Jar: Use a jar and have your child add a marble or bead for every time they meet their resolution.
- Mirror Messages: Write the resolutions on a bathroom mirror with a dry-erase marker. This serves as a great daily reminder.
New Year Resolution Ideas for Kids by Age
Use these ideas as a starting point and adjust the wording to sound like your child. Most kids do best with one to three meaningful goals for the year.
New Year’s Resolutions for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)
- Responsibility: “I will help clean up my toys by putting them where they belong.”
- Health: “I will let my parents help me brush my teeth twice a day.”
- Kindness: “I will use kind words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.”
- Safety: “I will always hold a grown-up’s hand when crossing the street.”
New Year’s Resolutions for Kids (Ages 5–12)
- Academic & Personal Growth: Frame goals as “I will” statements. “I will read for fun at least four times a week.” or “I will ask for help when I don’t understand my homework.”
- Health & Wellness: “I will drink more water every day and save soda for special times.”
- Kindness & Community: “I will do one random act of kindness each week,” or “I will be friendly to kids who look lonely.”
- Digital Citizenship: “I will keep my personal information safe online and follow our family’s screen time rules.”
A great way to practice digital safety and strengthen family bonds is by using a tool like JusTalk Kids. It’s a secure video chat app where children can only connect with parent-approved contacts. This makes resolutions like “calling grandparents more” both fun and safe, allowing kids to build relationships in a controlled environment.
New Year’s Resolutions for Teens (Ages 13+)
- Self-Care: “I will aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.”
- Mental Health: “When I feel stressed, I will try a healthy coping strategy like writing in a journal, exercising, or talking to a trusted adult.”
- Community Involvement: “I will volunteer for a cause I care about this year.”
- Digital Wellness: “I will limit my non-school screen time to 1-2 hours a day and choose high-quality content.”
It’s About the Journey, Not Perfection
Remember, the goal of setting New Year’s resolutions with your kids isn’t to achieve perfection. It’s about teaching them the value of setting goals, working towards them, and learning from the experience.
If your child gets off track, don’t be discouraged. This is a perfect opportunity to teach problem-solving skills. Check in, see what the barriers are, and adjust the resolution if needed. Forgiving ourselves and getting “back on the horse” is a powerful lesson in resilience.
A Simple Family Ritual for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day
Use this quick ritual to turn resolution‑setting into a tradition your kids will remember:
- Reflect together: Ask what each person is proud of, what surprised them, and one thing they’d like to be different next year.
- Brainstorm ideas: Share age‑appropriate ideas, let kids circle favorites, and add their own—no pressure to choose everything.
- Choose and shape goals: Help each child pick one main goal (older kids can add another), then re
- it so it’s simple, specific, and realistic.
- Create a visual reminder: Let kids decide where to display their goals—a mirror, bedroom wall, fridge, or a decorated jar, chart, or poster.
- Schedule a check‑in: Before you finish, pick a date (for example, in two weeks) for a quick family goal check‑in and put it on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if my child doesn’t want to make a resolution?
You should never force it. The goal is to introduce goal-setting in a positive way, not to make it a chore. If your child isn’t interested, you can model the behavior by setting your own simple, positive goal. Keep the conversation light and focus on what they might want to achieve in the coming year, framing it as a fun challenge rather than a strict “resolution.”
2. How many new year resolutions should my child make?
Less is more. Avoid overwhelming your child. Kids, especially younger ones, should focus on just one or two manageable goals. This increases the likelihood of success and keeps the process enjoyable.
3. What if my child fails to keep their resolution?
Treat it as a valuable learning opportunity, not a failure. It’s normal to get off track. Use it as a chance to talk about what’s not working and adjust the goal. This process teaches important problem-solving and resiliency skills. The goal is progress, not perfection.
4. Should I just set the new year resolution for my child?
It’s best to work on it together. The most successful resolutions are those that a child feels invested in. While you can guide the process and offer suggestions, let your child have the final say. A resolution that is relevant and meaningful to them is one they are far more likely to stick with.