Five resolutions for your child this year
You, like many adults, may have started this new year off with a few well-intended resolutions. Because with the new year come new goals and the opportunity for a commitment to positive change. The most common adult resolutions for American adults are getting more exercise, saving money and losing weight.
But what about your children? Helping them make healthy, positive resolutions for a better 2024 can be a great exercise for the entire family.
Depending on your child’s age, the resolutions can be simple and educational.
Here are five resolutions you and your children can make for a healthier new year.
Reduce screen time
Encourage your children to make a dedicated commitment to staying off the screen, spending more time together. This commitment to being off electronics can be especially valuable at mealtime and before bed. Make certain to make it a measurable goal, such as no TV or tablet one hour before bedtime.
Stand up for the environment
Take this opportunity to start recycling at home or conserving water. Teaching children to protect the environment is imperative to their future. Again, make it a measurable goal, such as shortening their shower by five minutes or collecting a weekly bag a week of recyclables. Another suggestion — commit to donating one no-longer-used toy to those in need.
Try something new
Experimenting is how children learn. Sit down with them and make a list of new things they’d like to try in the new year. Maybe it’s a school sport for fitness. Maybe it’s being part of the school band or making a new friend. Check off one new adventure a month in 2024 and watch their worlds expand.
Commit to kindness
There can be much negativity and darkness in the world for all of us. For a better personal 2024, help your child list ways to be a kinder, more generous person. Again, donating gently used toys and other items is a great way to pass happiness on. Another is to promise to commit to one kind act a day — something as simple as helping a friend with homework or playing with a younger sibling. Discuss at dinnertime what they did that day to make the world a better place.
Make time for silliness
We all experience our own stresses and difficulties. Over the next year, make a promise of more fun and goofing off. This will help with the inevitable stress of the pandemic and open your child’s mind to growth and creativity. Make time for play each and every day.
Again, make your child’s resolutions measurable, as well as attainable and sustainable. Help them to succeed with simple, realistic goals that help them grow throughout the new year.
Children’s health is a continuing series. This week’s column was submitted by Ascension Illinois.