The new year is a perfect opportunity to encourage children to reflect on their habits and set positive goals for personal growth.
New Year’s resolutions for kids can help them build confidence, develop responsibility, and embrace new challenges. Here’s a list of 20 age-appropriate ideas to inspire your child.
To help your child build a bedtime routine that supports their New Year goals, take this quiz (it only takes 3 minutes!). Get a tailored sleep schedule and access to over 300 expert-backed stories, meditations, and affirmations to guide your child through the holiday season and beyond.
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1. Learn something new
Encourage your child to try a new hobby or skill this year. It could be learning how to bake, taking up a musical instrument, or exploring creative arts like drawing or photography. Parents can guide them by offering resources such as online classes, local workshops, or books on the subject.
If your child is interested in music, you could enroll them in a beginners’ guitar or piano class. Help them set a goal, like learning one song by the end of the month, to keep them motivated.
2. Be kinder to others
Kindness is a quality that can be nurtured through small, consistent actions. Teach your child how simple gestures, like sharing a toy or helping a friend, can make a big difference.
Create a “kindness calendar” with daily tasks such as writing a thank-you note to a teacher, giving a compliment to a classmate, or donating old toys to charity. For more relaxing ideas, consider exploring Ideas to calm over excited children on christmas eve to create a peaceful environment.
3. Listen to more stories
Stories not only entertain but also teach important lessons and spark imagination. Dedicate a time each day for storytelling or reading with your child.
Use bedtime to explore new tales. A great choice is the story "Oh No, the Christmas Tree is Gone" by Dr. Elena Perez, which helps children process the transition from the festive season while cultivating gratitude and a sense of calm. Download it from the Storybook App!
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4. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness can help children manage stress and stay focused. Introduce simple techniques like breathing exercises, body scans, or guided meditations.
Set aside 5–10 minutes each day for mindfulness activities. Apps like Headspace or Cosmic Kids Yoga are excellent tools to get started. You can also inspire your child with new years eve activities for kids at home to foster a positive and intentional mindset.
5. Exercise regularly
Physical activity is essential for a child’s health and happiness. Encourage your child to move daily by making exercise fun and engaging.
Organize family walks, bike rides, or dance sessions at home. You could also sign your child up for a sport they enjoy, such as soccer or swimming, to ensure regular activity.
6. I will make my bed
Teaching your child to make their bed every morning helps them develop responsibility and creates a sense of accomplishment to start the day.
Turn this into a fun challenge by timing how quickly they can do it or by allowing them to choose colorful bedding that excites them about the task. Practicing new year's affirmations for kids can help with making the bed.
7. Eat healthier
Good nutrition is vital for your child’s growth and energy. Involve them in preparing meals and choosing snacks to make healthy eating enjoyable.
Let your child help wash fruits, cut vegetables (with supervision), or assemble their plate. Encourage a goal like “try one new vegetable each week” to make it a positive experience.
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8. Get better at sharing
Sharing builds empathy and strengthens relationships. Teach your child to share toys, books, or even their time with siblings and friends.
Use role-playing games to practice sharing scenarios or read stories that highlight its importance, like The Rainbow Fish. Praise them when they share to reinforce this behavior.
9. Improve time management
Time management is an essential skill for success in school and beyond. Help your child learn how to balance work, play, and rest effectively.
Use a planner or visual schedule to map out their day. Teach them to prioritize by listing three tasks to complete after school, like finishing homework, practicing an instrument, and free play.
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10. Help at home more
Involve your child in age-appropriate chores to instill a sense of teamwork and responsibility.
Assign simple tasks like setting the table, watering plants, or folding laundry. Use a chore chart with stickers or small rewards to keep them motivated.
11. Make new friends
Encourage your child to be open to new friendships. This resolution helps build social skills and self-confidence.
Role-play introductions or teach them conversation starters like asking about a classmate’s hobbies. Arrange playdates or sign them up for group activities where they can meet new peers. For guidance on managing holiday mornings, explore tips for a stress-free christmas morning to create smoother transitions.
12. Spend less time on screens
Reducing screen time allows children to engage in more meaningful activities. Set limits and provide alternatives to keep them occupied.
Example: Establish “screen-free” hours in the evening and encourage board games, puzzles, or outdoor play instead. Create a weekly reward for sticking to the limits, like a family movie night.
For guidance on managing holiday mornings, explore christmas morning routines for kids to create smoother transitions.
13. Keep a journal
Journaling helps children express themselves and develop their writing skills. Encourage them to write about their day, draw pictures, or list things they’re thankful for.
Example: Gift them a colorful journal with fun prompts like “What made me happy today?” or “What do I want to learn this week?”
14. Be more organized
Help your child learn to keep their space tidy and manage their belongings. Organization reduces stress and boosts productivity.
Example: Use labeled bins for toys, color-coded folders for schoolwork, and a weekly cleanup routine to keep everything in order.
15. Be more grateful
Gratitude fosters a positive mindset. Encourage your child to recognize and appreciate the good things in their life.
Start a gratitude jar where they write one thing they’re thankful for each day. Review the notes together at the end of the week.
16. Work on patience
Teach your child to stay calm and wait their turn, even in challenging situations.
Use board games to practice taking turns or time small waiting periods with a fun timer. Praise their efforts when they show patience.
17 Be more responsible
Taking responsibility helps children develop independence and self-esteem. Assign tasks that they can own entirely.
Give them a role, like a pet care, checking their homework, or packing their lunch, and let them handle it consistently.
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18. Set a personal challenge
Help your child set and achieve a goal that excites them. It could be mastering a new skill or completing a project.
If your child loves books, set a reading goal of one chapter a night or a certain number of books per month. Celebrate milestones along the way!
19. Have better manners
Good manners improve social interactions and teach respect for others.
Example: Practice polite phrases like “please” and “thank you” at home. Use storytime to introduce books that emphasize the importance of manners.
20. Go outside more
Spending time outdoors promotes physical and mental well-being. Make it a family habit to explore nature.
Example: Plan weekly outings to the park, nature trails, or the beach. Create a “nature scavenger hunt” where your child searches for specific items like leaves, rocks, or flowers.
Why is it important for kids to have New Year's resolutions?
Guide your child in setting specific, achievable goals rather than vague ambitions. For instance, instead of “be healthier,” suggest “eat one fruit or vegetable with every meal.” Break larger goals into smaller steps and celebrate progress along the way.
Be supportive and lead by example. Share your own resolutions and talk about the steps you’re taking to achieve them. Use tools like visual trackers or reward systems to keep your child motivated.
How can I help my child set realistic New Year resolutions?
Using stories like "Oh No, the Christmas Tree is Gone" can also help children process the end of the holidays and shift their focus toward the positive opportunities of the new year.
Encourage your child to choose resolutions that resonate with their interests and aspirations. With your guidance, they can embrace the new year with enthusiasm and a mindset for growth!
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