Looking Ahead To 2021: Resolutions For The Whole Family

The year 2020 has been one for the books due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how much it has affected our day-to-day lives. Even though it has been an intense time for everyone, we hope that there have been some bright times to remember as well as we prepare for the new year. 

What do you hope to accomplish in 2021? What are your goals and dreams for your children? 

Setting resolutions as we head into a new year is a tradition for many families. From losing weight, to traveling to new places, to expanding your family, to excelling at your job, there are endless possibilities for new year’s goals! If you’re coming up with some resolutions for 2021, why not include your kids in the planning as well? Read on for tips for setting new year’s resolutions for children of all ages.

New Year’s Resolutions For Older Toddlers or Preschoolers

Tip: Write down these resolutions with a picture next to each one, and hang up in your child’s bedroom. 

1. Practice good hand washing hygiene by washing hands after using the bathroom, before each meal, and any time we enter the house. 

2. Practice being kind to others (friends, siblings, classmates, or family) by sharing, saying “please” and “thank you,” and offering to play with someone that looks sad or lonely. 

3. Practice cleaning up toys before nap time and bedtime by picking up items and putting them back where they belong. 

4. Make a habit of brushing teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night. 

5. Be kind to animals and the environment. 

6. Practice asking parents for help when needed but taking the initiative to try doing things for ourselves such as getting dressed, washing hands, or cleaning up dishes. 

7. Make a habit of trying new foods often and limiting sugary snacks and beverages. 

8. Practice being gentle and not hitting, biting, or kicking other people. 

New Year’s Resolutions For Early Childhood

Tip: Keep resolutions short and sweet - use clear wording and set achievable goals!

1. Get outside every day for at least an hour (weather permitting). 

2. Find a new hobby such as a sport or crafting skill. 

3. Make a habit of tasting new foods and limiting sugary drinks and snacks. 

4. Practice being friendly to others and saying no to bullying. 

5. Limit time spent playing video games, using a mobile phone, or watching television. 

6. Practice good safety habits such as wearing sunscreen, putting on a seat belt properly, and wearing a helmet when riding a bike or scooter. 

7. Start a journal to document feelings, questions, or special occasions. 

8. Practice memorizing personal information (names, addresses, and phone numbers) while learning how to keep this information safe. 

9. Read a few new books in different genres. 

10. Make a chore chart and practice completing certain tasks daily and weekly. 

New Year’s Resolutions For Teenagers

Tip: Help your teenager focus on attainable goals, but don’t demand perfection. 

1. Set limits on sugary drinks and snacks, and limit caffeine intake. 

2. Be active for at least an hour each day, whether through sports or play. 

3. Set limits on screen time, such as video games or social media. 

4. Take care of animals and the environment by helping care for pets, or volunteering to pick up trash at a local park or the beach. 

5. Start a journal to keep a record of our feelings, stressors, and worries. 

6. Practice good safety habits such as wearing a seatbelt, keeping the phone off while driving, and avoiding alcohol. 

7. Be a good friend to others by showing compassion when someone is sad, offering to sit with a classmate who is lonely, or making cards for friend’s birthdays. 

8. Stand up to bullying, both online and in person, and tell a trustworthy adult about any threatening or violent behavior. 

9. Help around the house by doing chores and keeping bedrooms clean and tidy. 

10. Make time to exercise at least three times each week (going on a walk, finding a new hiking trail, riding a bike to a friend’s house, or using workout equipment at home). 

New Year’s Resolutions For Families

Tip: Come up with resolutions as a family, and display the list somewhere visible to everyone.

1. Eat at least one meal as a family each day. 

2. Respect one another by limiting yelling or rude comments. 

3. Help each other by doing chores and sharing responsibilities. 

4. Limit screen time and practice good conversation by turning off the television during dinner. 

5. Limiting the amount of sodas, caffeinated beverages, and junk foods. 

6. Start a family garden by growing a few plants in the backyard. 

7. Be more active as a family by going on hikes, neighborhood walks, or riding bikes together. 

No matter what your resolutions are, it’s important to set goals for the new year. Writing down expectations, goals, and aspirations can help you accomplish what you strive for! We hope that 2021 is an amazing year for all of you!

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Parenting is awesome. Sleep is overrated. Every day is an adventure.