For many parents, this time of year is filled with excitement as they anticipate the New Year and all the new opportunities it brings. But as exciting as New Year’s can be for kids, it can also be a bit overwhelming.
So what can you do to help your child have a positive experience during the upcoming holiday season? Well, here are some tips for helping kids with New Year’s resolutions:
Help Kids Be Proactive This Year
“Establish with them what is and isn’t possible,” says psychotherapist and parenting educator Marney Studaker-Cordner, LICSW. “Parents need to understand that their kids might not be able to do or have everything they want, as much as they would like them to.”
Help Them Set Goals That Are Manageable
Before approaching your child with New Year’s resolutions, help them set goals that are manageable. “It is important to guide children in setting long-term goals,” says Studaker-Cordner. “This means focusing on a number of mini goals for each desired major outcome.”
Make a Chart and Keep a Record
Studaker-Cordner recommends making a chart with your child and keeping track of their progress together, if possible. “Keeping a record can be fun for kids because it encourages them to see the numbers go higher each day or week they practice their new skills.”
Highlight Their Successes
Studaker-Cordner also suggests you highlight your child’s successes. “Create opportunities for your kids to celebrate their progress,” she says. “Even if it’s just getting out of bed without a tantrum, or making it through dinner with less than three bites of veggies on the plate, these are big steps for them.”
How do you teach kids New Year resolutions?
Many parents see the New Year as a fresh start for their kids. This means helping them accomplish their goals in whatever way possible. It is important to guide children when setting long-term goals, however, by having them focus on mini goals that can lead up to major outcomes.
A chart with your child and keeping track of progress together can be rewarding for them because it encourages them to see the numbers go higher. And lastly, highlight your child’s successes throughout the year so they can feel accomplished and have a positive experience.
In conclusion, this year, help your children set manageable goals and establish what is possible. By doing this, you can help them have a positive experience during the upcoming holiday season. The New Year can be overwhelming for kids; however, with your guidance, they will thrive at accomplishing their goals.