How To Set New Year’s Resolutions With Your Kids + Free New Year Goals Printable!

For many of us, the New Year means it’s time to reflect on our ups and downs in the past year and how we can do better in the coming year. While many see New Year’s Resolutions as an adult thing, you can also involve your kids to join you planning goals for the New Year too. Making New Year’s resolutions together is a great bonding activity that you can do as a family, and children can learn a lot from setting intentions and sticking to them. They’ll feel more positive as they learn more about themselves, their interests and their achievements.

1. Make It A Family Tradition

The best way to set New Year’s resolutions is to do it together as a family tradition! Grab a piece of paper or notebook, and reflect on the past year. What did you accomplish that you’re proud of? What are some of your favourite memories? What are you hoping to achieve in the New Year as an individual and as a family? Discuss what worked the past year and what didn’t, and come up with ideas how you could create more good memories and experience in the New Year.

Click to download new year goals printable for free

2. Set Age-appropriate Goals For Different Ages

In order to make goals sustainable (so your kids won’t drop them off like a hot cake as soon as the year starts!), it’s important to keep them specific, measurable, and attainable.

For Pre-schoolers (age 3-5):

I will always say thank you when someone gives or hands me something
I will share my toys with my siblings and friends.
I will put away my toys and books after playtime.
I will try a bite of new foods.
I will practise writing my name / new words every day.

For Toddlers and To-Be Teens (age 6-12):

I will spend 30 minutes to 1 hour doing an activity I love, X days a week.
I will eat 2 servings of fruits and vegetables each day by using my favourite set of dinnerware.
I will make my bed every morning.
I will keep my room tidy and organised.
I will read at least 30 minutes every morning / before I go to bed.
I will have 1 hour of screen-time per day.
I will be friendly and kind to all animals.
I will learn how to ask the owners if I could pet their animals first.
I will exercise at least 3 times a week, including scooting or riding a bike in the park.

3. Help Your Kids Stick With It

Motivation is key to help your kids stick with their New Year’s resolutions. The end goal is not to achieve everything on the list, but to set intentions, work towards it and learn from the experience.

Consider working toward the same goal together if your child agrees. You can keep each other accountable. “I’m also looking to have less screen time and be more present when I’m at home with you this year. How about we put away our phone together at dinner and do a fun activity like watching a movie together every Sunday evening?”

Use A Visual Timer And Habit Tracker To Track Progress

Use a visual timer like Time Timer to help your kid to make sense of time when they do a particular task (such as cleaning up their room, reading and screentime etc). They’ll feel more confident and become more independent as they get better managing their time.

You can also use a habit tracker to help them see the progress they’ve made with each of their goals. However, there are bound to be days where your kid might slip with their goal occasionally, and it’s important not to nag and punish them for it. Instead, give them a gentle reminders such as “so I saw that you haven’t been drinking much water these past few days. What can I do to help you get back on track?”

Credit: @bujowithpau

For many of us, the New Year means it’s time to reflect on our ups and downs in the past year and how we can do better in the coming year. While many see New Year’s Resolutions as an adult thing, you can also involve your kids to join you planning goals for the New Year too. Making New Year’s resolutions together is a great bonding activity that you can do as a family, and children can learn a lot from setting intentions and sticking to them. They’ll feel more positive as they learn more about themselves, their interests and their achievements.