It’s that time of year again: New Year’s Eve is right around the corner! After the Christmas festivities, it is always wonderful to take a step back and look back at the year behind, and plan for the year ahead. As you make your resolutions for the new year, involve your kids in the decision, and continue to grow together!
1. Make resolutions for all of you to work on, as a family
Resolutions are not just for individuals! What are some ways you have been wanting to grow as a family? Have you been wanting to try eating healthier, spending less time on screens, or going to church more? Take a look at some ways everyone in the family is wanting to grow or improve in the new year, and find some resolutions you can all do together.
2. Ask them to make a list of things they want to do better
It can be easy as parents to want to point out resolutions we think our children should have. It is great for you to be involved in the process and make suggestions, but make sure you let them pick and choose! Giving them the freedom to select a few ways to improve gives them more independence as they try to become better, and makes it more likely they will follow through.
3. Make SMART goals
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. Goals that are not SMART can be difficult to track as progress is made, feel overwhelming, or simply seem like they are not happening because they are long-term goals without short-term milestones to celebrate. As you work with your children, make sure your goals are SMART so it will be easier for you to stick with them.
Now, prepare yourself and your family to enter the new year with resolutions you can work on together, supporting each other all the way!
