Writing resolutions for kids
It’s just been in the past couple years that I have really gotten into setting New Years resolutions. On my personal blog I set new resolutions each year so that the next year I have a chance to look back. I like to set some personal goals, some mommy goals, and some blogging goals. But what I’ve found most useful in my resolutions is my plan of action. Goals are great and all, but we need to have a way to execute them!
This year I’ve been trying to get Baloo to set goals and figure out a way to achieve those goals, and then put them into action! I’m sure it helps that he has witnessed me setting goals and working toward them, but it’s still been a challenge to get him to see long term. Of course, he is only 6! So here are my tips for getting your child to set some of their own resolutions!
1. Help them brainstorm things they would like to improve on. Are they learning anything in school that they want to know more about? Are they struggling with a particular subject?
2. Is there anything they want to learn? A new language, musical instrument, or sport?
3. Encourage them to set reasonable goals. Baloo once wanted to set a goal to read a million books. Many younger kids tend to think big – which is wonderful! But sometimes we also have to think realistically!
4. Let your child write their own goals!
I know we would all like a child who aims to have a cleaner room, do all their chores without whining, and take a bath everyday, but I think it’s safe to say that most kids do not care about those thins. Encourage them to write positive goals that are measurable and specific. That might be obtaining a level 43 in angry birds, and if it is, so be it!
The best goals are ones that are SMART! That is, goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.
Baloo gave me permission to share his goals for the year. These are the three he ended up with, after throwing out a few unrealistic ones.
1. Read 100 books
2. Earn money by doing chores
3. Learn to ride my skateboard by practicing riding every day.
Do you help your child set resolutions?
