The Importance of New Year's Resolutions for Children

Did you know that children should be encouraged to write their New Year's resolutions? Find out why in the following article.

In the days leading up to the end of the year, many adults decide to make a list of their New Year’s resolutions. But why should this be an exclusively adult practice? We should invite our children to do the same so that they get used to reflecting on their goals, motivations, and dreams. In short, on what they can do to improve their lives.

It’s necessary to keep in mind that, if you involve your children in carrying out this exercise, you need to take it very seriously. As mothers and fathers we must encourage and support them throughout the year, so that they can achieve their goals.

Things to consider before thinking about New Year’s Resolutions

In order for children (and adults) not to get discouraged and achieve their goals for the new year, their resolutions should have a number of characteristics. The resolutions that children set should be:

• Realistic. It’s not a question of fantasizing about what they can do, but of thinking with a certain degree of objectivity. To fulfill this requirement, children usually need the help of an adult, since in childhood one tends to be more idealistic.
• Few. Children should create a short and finite list of resolutions – only those that can be truly fulfilled in 365 days. This way, it’s easier to be constant and maintain motivation.
• Age-appropriate. When thinking and writing New Year’s resolutions, it’s essential to take into account a child’s level of maturity. Be aware of what they’re capable of doing on their own and what they’re not capable of doing.

Some resolutions that children can make

Some of the general resolutions that children may suggest are the following:

• Putting away their toys, with the intention of being more orderly
• Doing more things on their own, to gain autonomy and independence
• Helping more at home, to encourage the development of responsibility
• Dedicating a little time each day to study, to improve academic performance

Likewise, you can also make resolutions as a family to fulfill all together throughout the year. In this sense, some good ideas are as follows:

• Distributing housework in a fair way
• Making more plans as a family
• Spending more time on family communication
• Playing more time together

Importance of New Year’s resolutions for children

Although it may not seem like it at first, the truth is that encouraging and helping children to write and fulfill their New Year’s resolutions is very beneficial for their proper development. Thanks to this wonderful habit, little ones:

• Improve their self-esteem and self-concept
• Increase their self-confidence
• Learn the value of perseverance and constancy
• Learn to be patient
• Become more responsible
• Learn that every effort has its reward

In addition, if you plan this as a family activity, you can also strengthen the bonds and ties between the different members. After all, you need to have a lot of trust and confidence to share your desires and dreams for the next year, and freely express them to others.

In that sense, it’s worth noting the following quote from the American doctor Glenn Doman:

So, get out your pencils and papers, gather your family around a table and enjoy making your New Year’s resolutions together. This, besides being fun, will be very educational and enriching for everyone. And remember that the important thing isn’t the writing of the resolutions, but doing everything possible to fulfill them.