For many of us, New Year’s resolutions can be a bit of a joke. We often make them on January 1, then break them the following day – and that’s it for another year.
However, in 2016 you might want to consider setting yourself a realistic resolution or two and doing your best to stick to it, because it’s a good example to set for your kids.
For example, if you resolve to eat more healthily and manage it, chances are you’ll have more success at getting them to do the same thing.
Getting them to make their own resolutions will also help to teach them about motivation and self-discipline, and can be a useful way of tackling some behavioural issues.
Top Tips
Get them to come up with their own resolutions, at least initially. This is a good way of getting them to look at aspects of their behaviour that may need some help (such as always remembering their manners) or breaking habits that could cause problems.
Encourage them to make their resolutions specific, rather than general. For example, instead of resolving to be tidier, they could promise to put all their toys away in their box every night before going to bed, or put their school bag in its designated spot by the door, rather than just dumping it in the middle of the hallway or lounge.
Be realistic. They may mean well when they resolve never to watch TV again, but it’s unlikely they can sustain it and they will then be disappointed by their inability to stick to the resolution. Instead, opt for something that’s a little more achievable, such as halving the amount of time they spend watching TV.
Writing down their resolution and putting it somewhere they can see it every day, such as on a notice board or the fridge, will help to encourage them to stick to it.
Break your child’s resolution down into several achievable steps. For example, if they want to exercise more, don’t expect them to suddenly start training every day. Begin by encouraging them to go for a walk every couple of days, then work up to running.
Encourage them not to give up. If they slip up and go back on their resolution, don’t let this put them off. For example, if they eat lollies more than once a week when they’ve resolved not to, make sure they don’t think, “oh, this is a waste of time,” and go back to eating them every day. Tell them it’s just a minor blip and they can start again.
Ideas for resolutions
Pre-schoolers
I will always wash my hands before I eat.
I won’t pull the cat’s tail.
I will pick up any toys lying on the floor beforeI go to bed.
I will remember to say please every time I ask for something.
Primary school kids
I will put dirty washing in the laundry basket.
I will not go out in the sun unless I have a hat on.
I will not ask for things every time we go to the shops.
I will eat at least one piece of fruit every day.
Tweens & teens
I will limit the amount of time I spend on social media
I will not leave towels on the floor.
I will do all my household chores without being asked.
I will remember to have a shower every day.
I will wear deodorant.
Good parenting resolutionsThis is also a good time for you to take steps to change any aspects of the way you parent your kids that you may not be happy with. Here are a few suggestions:
I will try to see things from my child’s point of view.
I will be consistent when it comes to discipline.
I will be a good role model for my kids.
I will get better at communicating with them.
I will spend more time with my children doing fun things and not worry about the housework that hasn’t been done.
I will take a greater interest in something that is important to them, even if it doesn’t appeal to me at all.
I will get to know their friends better.
