New Year’s resolutions for kids can help develop important life skills and habits. This guide presents 100 age-appropriate resolutions for children, ranging from preschoolers to teenagers, covering areas like health, academics, personal growth, and family relationships.
Understanding New Year’s Resolutions for Kids
New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for adults. They provide an excellent opportunity for children to learn about goal-setting and develop important life skills. As parents, we can guide our kids towards making resolutions that will help them succeed academically, personally, and within the family.
What are New Year’s Resolutions?
A New Year’s resolution is essentially a goal or a promise one makes to oneself. For children, it’s a chance to focus on forming good habits and improving various aspects of their lives. These resolutions should be simple, easy to understand, and fun for kids to follow through.
Why New Year’s Resolutions are Beneficial for Kids
Setting resolutions can help children:
- Develop a sense of purpose and direction
- Learn about goal-setting
- Improve self-discipline
- Boost self-esteem through accomplishment
- Cultivate important life skills
100 New Year’s Resolutions for Kids
Here’s a comprehensive list of 100 New Year’s resolutions for kids, categorized by age group and area of focus:
Resolutions for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Health and Hygiene
- I will brush my teeth twice a day with help from my parents.
- I will wash my hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
- I will try new foods, especially colorful vegetables.
- I will drink water every day.
- I will learn to use the potty consistently.
Personal Growth
- I will learn to tie my own shoes.
- I will practice writing my name every day.
- I will learn a new word each day.
- I will try to dress myself in the morning.
- I will learn to zip and button my clothes.
Behavior and Social Skills
- I will use my words to express my feelings.
- I will share my toys with siblings and friends.
- I will say “please” and “thank you” more often.
- I will be nice to other kids who need a friend or look sad.
- I will listen when others are speaking.
Responsibility
- I will put away my toys after playing with them.
- I will help clear the table when I’m done eating.
- I will learn to make my bed.
- I will feed my pet (with supervision).
- I will help water the plants.
Resolutions for Elementary School Kids (Ages 6-12)
Academic
- I will read for at least 30 minutes every day.
- I will complete my homework before playing.
- I will ask for help when I don’t understand something in class.
- I will keep my school materials organized.
- I will participate more in class discussions.
Health and Fitness
- I will eat more fruits and vegetables.
- I will limit junk food and sugary drinks.
- I will find a physical activity or sport I enjoy and do it regularly.
- I will get enough sleep each night.
- I will learn about nutrition and healthy eating habits.
Personal Growth
- I will learn a new skill or hobby.
- I will practice an instrument for 15 minutes daily.
- I will keep a journal to express my thoughts and feelings.
- I will set aside time for creativity (drawing, crafting, etc.).
- I will learn basic cooking skills.
Technology and Screen Time
- I will limit my screen time to agreed-upon hours.
- I will balance screen time with outdoor activities.
- I will be responsible and kind in my online interactions.
- I will learn about internet safety.
- I will use technology to learn new things.
Social and Emotional
- I will be kind to my classmates and stand up against bullying.
- I will practice active listening when others are speaking.
- I will learn to manage my emotions better.
- I will spend quality time with family members.
- I will make new friends and nurture existing friendships.
Responsibility and Independence
- I will keep my room clean and organized.
- I will help with household chores.
- I will take care of my personal belongings.
- I will be responsible for packing my school bag.
- I will learn to manage my allowance and save money.
Resolutions for Tweens and Teens (Ages 13-18)
Academic and Career
- I will improve my study habits and time management skills.
- I will set specific grade goals for each subject.
- I will explore potential career paths and interests.
- I will participate in extracurricular activities related to my interests.
- I will start preparing for standardized tests (if applicable).
Health and Wellness
- I will maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
- I will prioritize getting enough sleep each night.
- I will learn stress management techniques.
- I will practice good hygiene habits.
- I will avoid harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
Personal Development
- I will set long-term goals and create plans to achieve them.
- I will develop better time management skills.
- I will learn a new language or skill.
- I will read books outside of school requirements.
- I will work on building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Social Responsibility
- I will volunteer in my community.
- I will be more environmentally conscious.
- I will stay informed about current events.
- I will be respectful of diversity and practice inclusion.
- I will be a positive influence on social media.
Financial Literacy
- I will learn basic budgeting skills.
- I will save a portion of my allowance or earnings.
- I will research and understand different savings and investment options.
- I will learn about responsible credit use.
- I will look for ways to earn money through part-time jobs or entrepreneurship.
Technology and Digital Citizenship
- I will practice good digital citizenship.
- I will be mindful of my digital footprint.
- I will balance screen time with other activities.
- I will use technology to enhance learning and productivity.
- I will protect my privacy and security online.
Emotional Intelligence
- I will practice empathy and understanding towards others.
- I will work on effective communication skills.
- I will learn to manage and express emotions healthily.
- I will practice gratitude daily.
- I will seek help when facing challenges I can’t handle alone.
Life Skills
- I will learn basic cooking and meal planning.
- I will develop better organizational skills.
- I will learn basic car maintenance (for older teens).
- I will practice public speaking and presentation skills.
- I will learn basic first aid and emergency preparedness.
Family and Relationships
- I will spend quality time with family members.
- I will communicate openly and honestly with my parents.
- I will help with household responsibilities without being asked.
- I will show appreciation for family members’ efforts.
- I will work on resolving conflicts peacefully.
Personal Health and Safety
- I will wear a seatbelt every time I’m in a car.
- I will wear a helmet when biking or skateboarding.
- I will learn about and practice safe dating habits.
- I will prioritize my mental health and seek help if needed.
- I will make informed decisions about my physical and emotional well-being.
How to Help Kids Set and Achieve Their Resolutions
Setting resolutions is just the first step. Here are some strategies to help kids stick to their goals:
Make it a Family Activity
Involve the whole family in setting resolutions. This creates a supportive environment and makes the process more enjoyable.
Keep it Simple and Specific
Help your child choose one or two realistic, age-appropriate goals. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.
Write it Down
Have your child write down their resolutions or create a visual representation. This makes the goals more tangible and serves as a reminder.
Track Progress
Create a system to track progress, like a sticker chart for younger kids or a journal for older ones. Celebrate small victories along the way.
Lead by Example
Share your own resolutions with your kids and involve them in your journey. This shows them that setting and working towards goals is a lifelong process.
Be Supportive
Offer encouragement and support, especially when your child faces challenges. Help them learn from setbacks and adjust their approach if needed.
Make it Fun
Turn resolution-keeping into a game or challenge. This can make the process more engaging and enjoyable for kids.
Korean Community Church Of New Jersey