{"id":6851,"date":"2022-03-01T08:54:29","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T15:54:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ltsarizona.org\/phoenix-charter-school\/?p=6851"},"modified":"2022-03-01T08:54:29","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T15:54:29","slug":"helping-kids-make-realistic-new-years-resolutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ltsarizona.org\/phoenix-charter-school\/helping-kids-make-realistic-new-years-resolutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping Kids Make Realistic New Year\u2019s Resolutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people start each year by making New Year\u2019s resolutions. As adults, we often resolve to do something on January 1, and then feel we\u2019ve failed if we don\u2019t follow through as the year progresses. Resolutions are a wonderful idea at any age; however, if adults have difficulty keeping resolutions, children may find them even more troublesome. How can parents introduce children to the idea of New Year\u2019s resolutions, without pressuring them or setting them up for failure?<\/p>\n

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\"\"It\u2019s a good idea for families to sit down together beforehand and create some guidelines so that resolutions are realistic. Parents should take the lead, setting an example for younger family members. Here are some strategies that can help everyone keep their New Year\u2019s resolutions.<\/p>\n

Parents Can Partner With Children<\/strong><\/p>\n

Serve as a role model by making resolutions with your child; for example, \u201cWe\u2019re only going to have dessert three days a week,\u201d or \u201cWe\u2019re going to spend one hour per night with no electronics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Resolutions for the entire family might include committing to volunteering at a charity or spending a day outdoors once a month. One or two parent\/child resolutions are plenty. What\u2019s important is to try to find goals which benefit both parent and child, and which are easier to achieve by working together.<\/p>\n

Help Children Set Realistic Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Start with broad categories like, home, school, friends, or family, and then narrow down ideas. Be sure what your children choose to do is achievable and is important to them. If your child is a C student, becoming an A student may be too big a challenge; suggest they work on getting B\u2019s as a more achievable goal.<\/p>\n

Stay Positive and Regularly Discuss Children\u2019s Progress<\/strong><\/p>\n

Families can get together every month to discuss their progress on resolutions. If goals are not being met, family members can offer their support and suggest alternate strategies. Sometimes, it\u2019s easier for children to keep resolutions if they feel it\u2019s a team effort. If they\u2019re having trouble keeping resolutions, don\u2019t be accusatory or preachy. Let your child know that every day is a clean slate and a chance to start anew.<\/p>\n

Be Sure to Keep the List Short and Focused<\/strong><\/p>\n

One or two resolutions are enough. Have your child pick the ideas they feel are most important. Be certain that the resolutions aren\u2019t too vague or general. \u201cI\u2019m going to help more around the house,\u201d may be too broad; \u201cI\u2019m going to clear the table after dinner,\u201d is specific, manageable, focused, and easier to carry out.<\/p>\n

Parents<\/a> magazine suggests some realistic, achievable resolutions for kids and families that may point parents in the right direction:<\/p>\n

For kids:<\/p>\n