New Year Resolutions with Kids

The time has come again to review the year that was and to look forward to the forthcoming year with high expectations. While the moments we have lived so far give us some lessons about life, the new year gives us opportunities to make the most out of our valuable time. In this process, let us include the next generation and formulate New Year's resolutions with kids.

Why Resolutions for the New Year?

The resolutions for the New Year help us to get a clear picture of areas where we need to get more structured and better. They help us to convert our mistakes into our accomplishments. It can be anything, such as avoiding giving things to friends who forget to return them, forgoing the habit of procrastination, or starting a new habit. Alternatively, you can resolve to learn a new skill or visit a new place. 

Such promises help to plan your year, months, and days accordingly and provide a better life experience. With this approach, kids would understand the concept of resolutions better and would be eager to create for themselves.                              

How to make resolutions with kids?                          

Making resolutions for the first time can be tricky or awkward, as not just kids, but adults may be confused about what they need to plan for. In such a scenario, the following points can be helpful-

- Ponder over the days gone by when things were not in your control due to your own habits or deeds. If you decide not to repeat the errors that happened in the past, then you need to make a promise to yourself about mending your ways.

- Time to work on your dreams, whether you thought of learning piano, becoming a badminton champion, or making lots of friends. Create steps to achieve the same.

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- Develop a new habit that inculcates self-discipline, such as cleaning the room, making their own bed, and having a routine of waking up and going to bed on time. 

Likewise, you can discuss these things with your children. Let them review some situations in their life when things were messed up (but without making them feel ill about themselves), which could have been avoided if they had the right approach or action at the right time. 

You can help them derive a process that they need to follow in given situations to avoid creating a happier new year. 

Age-appropriate resolutions for Kids

Inspire your kiddo to create her own New Year's resolution.

The goals need to be age-appropriate. You may make only one resolution, but it should be practical enough to follow. For example, 

New Year's Resolution Ideas for Preschoolers

- I will wash my hands after using the washroom.

- I will keep my toys back after playing.

- I will be nice and kind to animals

- I will try to eat foods of different colors.

New Year Resolution Ideas for the age group 6 to 10 years

- I will ride my bike safely.

- I will deal with friends gently.

- I will return the belongings to their owner.

- I will go to bed on time.

- I will not bully other kids and inform my elders if someone bullies me.

New Year Resolutions for Preteens

- I will try to complete my school projects on time.

- I will try to help my friends.

- I will keep my room clean and tidy.

- I will talk to a family member if I have stress or an urgent situation to deal with.

- I will not indulge in smoking, drugs, or alcohol.

- I will use my phone only when required.

On the other hand, a fourteen-year-old can make a resolution to give justified time to his home assignments, his hobbies, his house chores, and his friends. Moreover, older children can note down their goals and break them down into smaller goals.

Remember, a long list of resolutions is difficult to follow. Therefore, stick to only a couple of promises and endeavor to follow them wholeheartedly.

Suggest Ideas for New Year's Resolutions

Suggest, and do not force your ideas on them. Let them think about what they want to accomplish, learn, or enjoy in the forthcoming year. Remind them of their successful efforts without highlighting their weaknesses. 

Guide them to think of what they can add to their personality or their efforts that would bring more joy, success, or mindfulness in their life.

Related post- 7 Tips for Parents of Tweens and Preteens

Include Follow-ups and Gentle reminders

New habits and resolutions take time to develop and become part of life. Therefore, agree with the kids for a follow-up session on a weekly or monthly basis. Counsel them to be open to gentle reminders and discussions about their goals.

However, you need to be gentle and understanding in follow-ups, without being overly persistent.                     

                            Read Post - Affirmations for Kids and Parents

Parents as role models

Parents can discuss their resolutions with their kids and the ways in which they are going to follow them. They can also ask for help from their kids to stick to their promises. It will inspire their children to follow the same path easily and willingly.

Frequently Asked Questions: New Year's Resolutions with Kids

Where can I find interactive books for kids about New Year resolutions?

You can find interactive books about goal-setting at local libraries, bookstores, or online retailers like Amazon, Book Depository (with worldwide shipping), and Flipkart. Popular titles include Squirrel's New Year's Resolution by Pat Miller and The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett, which teach children about perseverance and setting achievable goals.

How do I buy kid-friendly planners for New Year resolutions?

Kid-friendly planners are available on Amazon, Etsy for printable versions, and local stationery stores. You can also download free printable goal trackers from parenting websites like WeAreTeachers or Pinterest, which offer colorful, age-appropriate designs perfect for young goal-setters.

What apps help kids track and achieve their New Year resolutions?

Family-friendly apps like Habitica ('gamifies' habit-building), Streaks (tracks up to 12 habits), and GoalsOnTrack help children monitor their progress. For families preferring screen-free options, printable habit trackers or simple sticker charts work wonderfully for younger children.

Which are the best online platforms for setting family New Year goals with kids?

Use collaborative tools like Google Sheets, Trello (for visual task boards), or family calendar apps like Cozi and TimeTree to track goals together. Many parenting websites offer free downloadable family goal-setting templates that you can print and use at home for a hands-on approach.

How can I help my kids make New Year's resolutions stick?

Make goals specific and achievable by involving children in choosing their own resolutions rather than imposing them. Create visual progress trackers, celebrate small milestones regularly, and check in weekly to adjust goals as needed—consistency and encouragement matter more than perfection.

What are realistic New Year resolutions for teenagers?

Encourage teenagers to write new year resolutions on planner.

Teens can set meaningful goals around academic improvement (like maintaining a study schedule or improving grades in specific subjects), developing healthy habits (regular exercise, better sleep routines, or limiting screen time), learning new skills (coding, musical instruments, or languages), or personal growth areas like reading more books, journaling, volunteering, or managing stress through mindfulness. The key is ensuring teens choose goals they genuinely care about rather than feel pressured into.

Hope the above ideas help you plan New Year's Resolutions with kids effectively.

The New Year is about to arrive. So, are you all geared up to greet the new year with your new resolutions and a big smile? Let me know in the comment section... waiting:)