New Year Resolutions for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults - Should They Do It?

The start of a new year is a perfect time for self-reflection and goal-setting, not just for adults but also for kids, teens, and young adults.

Creating New Year's resolutions can be a positive and empowering activity for all ages. It helps them build positive habits, learn responsibility, create a sense of purpose, set goals, reflect on their values, and practice important life skills like planning and perseverance.

Whether it's fostering new skills or making small, meaningful changes, resolutions can set the tone for a fulfilling year ahead. However, the process should be age-appropriate, fun, and supportive to ensure it fosters growth rather than pressure.

Benefits of New Year's Resolutions

1. Encourages Goal Setting

Teaches them how to set achievable goals and work toward them.

2. Builds Self-Reflection

Helps them think about what they want to improve or achieve. Reflect on strengths and help build self-awareness.

3. Boost Confidence

Achieving even small resolutions can build self-esteem, instill pride and self-belief, and a sense of accomplishment.

4. Promotes Responsibility

Encourages taking ownership of personal growth and habits.

5. Develop Life Skills

Learning to set and achieve goals is a foundational life skill.

6. Focus on Independence

By focusing on independence, you can create healthier boundaries, manage your time and finances better, and cultivate a lifestyle that aligns with your values and goals. It can empower you to take charge of your life and feel more self-reliant and fulfilled.

7. Career Aspirations

Help you find clarity and focus on identifying specific goals, and reflect on where you are professionally and where you want to go.

Tips for Creating Resolutions

1. Make It Fun

Focus on goals that excite them, like learning a new skill or spending more time on a favorite hobby.

2. Keep Goals Specific and Realistic

Instead of vague resolutions like "do better in school," or "be healthier," suggest specific actions like "drink water instead of soda/pop at lunch," "exercise for 20 minutes three times a week," or "study math for 15 minutes daily."

3. Break Down Goals

Help them track their progress, whether it's reading a certain number of books or practicing a skill for a set amount of time each day. Teach them to break resolutions into smaller, manageable steps.

4. Encourage Positive Framing

Focus on adding positive habits ("read more books") rather than eliminating negative ("stop playing video games").

5. Model the Behavior

Share your resolutions and work on them together to make it a family activity.

6. Make Resolutions Age-Appropriate

Keep goals simple and actionable for kids. For teens, encourage resolutions tied to their passions or areas they want to improve. For young adults, focus on resolutions that align with their personal or professional growth.

7. Focus on Positives

Frame resolutions around adding good habits, such as "learn one new recipe each month," rather than eliminating perceived negatives.

8. Offer Support

Encourage family or peer involvement to keep the process fun and motivating.

Examples of Kid-Friendly Resolutions

Young Kids:

• "I will eat a vegetable with one meal x days a week."
• "I will clean up my toys before bedtime."
• "I will practice kindness by saying one nice thing to a friend or family member every day."
• "I will read one book a month."

Teens:

• "I will limit screen time to 2 hours after school."
• "I will join a new club or volunteer in my community."
• "I will save 10% of my allowance or earnings for something special."
• "I will learn a new skill, like coding, drawing, or cooking."
• "I will take a break from social media for one hour each evening."
• "I will volunteer for a cause I care about at least once a month."

Young Adults:

• "I will update my resume and apply for three internships or jobs this year."
• "I will start a journal to reflect on my growth and gratitude."
• "I will dedicate one weekend a month to self-care or pursuing hobbies."
• "I will stick to a budget and work toward saving for a specific goal."

Resolutions can help develop essential skills for the future while encouraging personal growth in a supportive environment. The key is to make the process motivating and stress-free.

How to Stick to Resolutions

1. Start Small

Break down big goals into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Celebrate Milestones

Recognize and reward progress to stay motivated.

3. Be Flexible

Life happens! Adjust goals as needed rather than abandoning them.

4. Seek Accountability

Share resolutions with friends, family, or peers who can provide encouragement.

Conclusion

New Year's resolutions are not just about self-improvement; they're about fostering a mindset of growth and possibility. Whether it's a young child committing to keeping their toys tidy, a teen diving into a new hobby, or a young adult taking steps toward independence, resolutions can be a powerful tool for personal development.

Encourage kids, teens, and young adults to embrace the New Year with optimism and determination. With the right support and perspective, their resolutions can become stepping stones to a brighter, more confident future.