Creating New Year’s Resolutions gets our kiddos on the path to dreaming big and reaching their goals.
It’s also a fun tradition to start as a family. Here are 3 steps to bring your kiddos in on the New Year Resolution fun and get them believing in their dreams.
Step 1: Family Brainstorm
Brainstorming can spark great ideas. And when you do it as a family, it’s a whole lot more fun! Not only are we making sweet memories with our kiddos, but setting goals as a family helps keep us accountable.
Here are a few fun ways to brainstorm as a family:
Create a Bucket List
A bucket list is a giant list of amazing experiences and accomplishments you’d want in your lifetime. However, for this activity, we’ll focus only on the next year.
Have your kiddos think about what they’d like to accomplish or experience this year. What about the family? Write down every idea as it comes. And remember, no idea is off the table. Big, small, silly – everything goes!
Ask Quirky Questions
Our children are filled with curiosity and wonder. And asking fun, silly questions is a great way to get that imagination out on the table. Here’s a list of quirky questions to ask the family that’ll really get those creative minds flowing:
- If you could ask a wild animal any question, what would you ask?
- What would you do if you won the lottery?
- If you had a pet dragon, what would you name it and why?
- If you had superpower, what would it be?
- A genie just popped out of your nightlight, what are your 3 wishes?
- If you could make up a new holiday, what would it be?
Play 3 Stars and Wish
The new year isn’t just about fresh starts, but also a time to reflect on past accomplishments. Have your kiddos think about 3 things they’re proud of and how they achieved them. These are their “stars.”
Now what one thing they would like to do this year? This is their “wish.” Could they apply the same skills and effort from their stars to accomplish their wish?
Step 2: Narrow Down Your List
If you thought brainstorming was tough, just wait until it’s time to narrow down your list. After a fun, creative session with the family, your kiddo may have a list as long as Santa’s! So to help them get it down to just one thing, here’s are some tips:
- What can they accomplish THIS year?
- Is it challenging, yet achievable for their age and development?
- Is it good for them & the family? (although a cool idea, not sure if “lion taming” should make the list. . . maybe next year!)
But don’t completely rule out ideas. Steering our kids in the right direction is where parents really shine.
Let’s say, your kiddo wants to be on Kid’s Baking Championship? Now that maayyyyyy be a stretch in these next 12 months. Instead, you can gently encourage them to learn to bake a cake.
Step 3: Create a Plan
Now that your kiddo has their New Year’s Resolution, it’s time to create the plan to bring it to life! Have them answer these questions – with a little help from mom and dad of course:
- What do I need to do to accomplish my goal?
- How can I remind myself about my goal?
- Can I break my goal down into smaller steps?
Step 4: Hooray for Rewards
Knowing they’ll get rewarded will keep your little one motivated when they’re ready to give up. It’ll also help build the determination and discipline they’ll need to achieve goals later in life. Plus it’s super exciting!
Here are some inexpensive reward ideas to consider:
- Trip to the ice cream shop
- New book from the bookstore
- Family game night
- Trip to the playground
- Go to the movies
- Invite a friend for a sleepover
- Bowling night
Step 5: Create a Vision Board
Now for the fun part! Bring out the colors and glue and have the whole family create their own vision board. Display their masterpiece in an area your kiddo will see everyday to remind them of their New Year’s Resolution!
What are your New Year’s Resolutions?
Let us know what your family's New Year’s Resolutions are by following and tagging us at @RenzosVitamins.