Every year millions of people set (and usually forget) their New Year’s resolutions. By the time the trees bud, many have already given up. The trick to making resolutions stick is to forget the hype and focus on the reason behind the desired change. Here are some of our favorite ways to encourage your kids to set achievable goals.
Be realistic. Setting hyper-specific goals can leave you and your child frustrated. Losing ten pounds doesn’t sound unreasonable, but if you don’t hit that exact number, it’s discouraging. Encourage resolutions that are a little more generic so that it’ll be easier to persevere even when a specific goal isn’t met.
Don’t imply inadequacy. Make sure your child’s resolutions focus on who they are rather than who they aren’t. Create a resolution that enhances their strengths instead of their weaknesses.
Embrace knowledge and education. Rather than saying, “I will get better at math,” encourage your kids to learn and grow in multiple areas. Encourage independent research about subjects of interest, or invest in encyclopedias, books, games, or apps that will help further your child’s education.
By giving your kids and your family long-term goals that encourage growth and play to your strengths, you can help make your lives healthier and happier.
