We hope you had a wonderful holiday season! Whether you like it or not, the holidays are over and a new year is here again. 'New Year, New Me' is a big theme this time of year and it's a fun way to teach your young ones about goals, resolutions and more! We've compiled a few tips that should make this a fun activity to do together.
First, you should explain the new year, what goals are and also what resolutions are. This is a great article if you need help explaining!
Next, you should share a few of your goals and resolutions with your child. Try to keep these positive and uplifting and explain how you think these will help you and your family have a better year.
Then, use the SMART system to help your child form their goals. Offer a few suggestions and be sure to listen to what they would like to accomplish this year.
- Specific: The resolution should include your child’s goal, the skill she’s working on and how she’ll achieve it: “To become a better gymnast by the May Gymnastics Meet, I’ll practice 30 minutes a day.”
- Measurable: She should track her progress—on a chart or in regular check-ins with you. Make dates on your calendars to check in and see how the goal is going.
- Attainable: The goal should be ambitious but realistic—something that will stretch your child’s skills but not overwhelm her.
- Results-oriented: The resolution should explain what she’ll be able to do once she reaches her goal. For example: “Studying with a tutor twice a week will help me consistently get As in math.”
- Time-bound: Your child’s resolution should specify a reasonable time frame and can include mini-goals along the way (mini-successes can be very motivating).
And another big must:
- Relevance: Your child has to want to set and reach this goal! She should feel eager and committed.
A few goals we love are:
- Learn a new skill in dance, gymnastics, singing, piano or whatever extracurricular activity they are currently enrolled in.
- Keep their room clean without asking for a month straight.
- Learn a new skill (reading, writing, checkers, chess, etc!)
- Cook dinner with Mom or Dad one night.
- Donate an unused toy to charity twice a month.
- Eat more fruits and veggies.
These are just starters! Use these as a base to build the perfect goal complete with a timeline and reward that will be sure to be accomplished. We also love this printable sheet perfect for setting goals in 2018!
