When children make New Year’s Resolutions, they tend to be imitations of what they hear from parents (“lose weight,” “watch less TV”) or big aspirations that would take more than a year to accomplish (“save the world,” “make the world a better place”). There’s a middle ground of New Year’s Resolutions that are more meaningful and easier to achieve. Here are a few goals your child or teen can aspire to in the New Year.
Always Be Honest
Being honest 100% of the time is easier said than done. Children can be especially prone to getting caught up in a lie. They start with one white lie that snowballs and becomes overwhelming. Help your child understand that it’s better to be honest, even if the truth is that they made a mistake. This doesn’t mean your child has to use “tough love” or be brutally honest to others. Weighing honesty and kindness may take some practice, but ultimately, your child will learn that it’s best to be honest with themselves and others.
Become a Better Friend
Talk to your child about the importance of being present with their friends and family. This could mean taking out their headphones at dinner time or listening thoughtfully during conversations. It also means being there for friends who need help and telling a trusted adult if it seems like a serious situation. Nothing is quite as valuable when you’re feeling alone as having a friend who will listen. Forming deeper friendships and relationships with family members will also bring more meaning to your child’s life.
Eat, Drink and Sleep Well
People of all ages struggle to take care of themselves, though it’s typically for different reasons. A child or teen may stay up late talking to friends online or playing video games. They may skimp on water or food because they were too distracted by other activities. However, getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water and eating fruits and vegetables can do wonders for a child or teen’s wellbeing. When helping your child make healthier choices, make sure it doesn’t feel like a punishment. Make it clear that you’re doing this for them.
Show More Gratitude
Part of living a fulfilling life is appreciating what you have and those around you. It’s easy for children, teens and even adults to forget the importance of showing gratitude. A simple way for a child or teen to start showing more gratitude is by saying “thank you,” even if someone does something small. Then, once they’ve gotten used to saying thank you, they can move on to small acts of kindness. Doing something nice for another person shows gratitude just as much as thanking someone for doing a nice thing for you.
Bring Peace to Others
In a world where one of the most pervasive problems for students is bullying, your child can aspire to be a peacemaker. This can mean not getting involved in petty drama or not allowing themselves to be pressured into bullying others. They can also be an active participant in resolving conflicts, rather than fueling the fire. Another great way to be a peacemaker is by ignoring rumors and reserving judgment of other people. The peace they bring to others will come back around to them.
As the New Year draws closer, it’s a great time to consider how you and your child can make meaningful resolutions. At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.
