Hey Kids! Let’s Set Some New Goals

What are your goals for the upcoming year? Better yet, how do you help your kids with goal setting? I’m Scoop the Cub Reporter and I’m on the story. You see, we’re fast approaching 2022 and the good folks of Shady Pines Story Town are looking ahead. We’re always trying to be kinder, more tolerant, compassionate and honest with one another. That’s the Shady Pines way after all!

Right now we’re getting all sorts of ideas here in The Shady Pines Gazette news office about New Year’s Resolutions.

Most people think these first-of-the-year goals are fun to discuss and write down, but how many of us follow them all year long?

We’re hearing from parents who want to know how to guide children to make good resolutions. Since I’m just a teenager, I’ve turned to parenting experts for their advice.

Here’e what they say: It’s important to be upbeat, make resolutions a fun activity, and try not to force ideas but let kids come up with their own. Here’s how they say you should get started:

Lead by Example

* If you want your family to make healthy eating a priority this year, explain what that a healthy diet means for you with examples like:

“You know how much your dad and I love pizza. This year we’re going to eat less pizza and have more fruits and vegetables instead.” “We want to have more family dinners. So, we’re going to limit the amount of fast food we eat, and instead make more meals together.”

Be Specific

* Start with some broad categories like personal, friendship, helping and school goals.

Asking questions can help you find out which of these categories are most important to them. Some examples: “Can you think of some things you might do better or differently? Do you remember a time when you might have been nicer to someone at school? Or, treated your brother or sister better? Are there ways to share more with your friends? How about helping out more around the house?”

Attach Action to the Resolutions

Let’s say your child’s resolution is to keep his or her room clean. Have them write down six easy steps they can practice each week, like:

Week #1:  I will put my shoes in the closet at night

Week #2:  I will put my toys away after playing with them

Some other ideas:

  • I will help around the house – by doing the dishes
  • I will improve my reading – by reading 15 minutes before I go to bed
  • I will eat more healthy foods – by eating one fruit at breakfast and one vegetable at dinner

Build Upon Success

Maybe the most import thing I learned about setting goals is to not get discouraged. Experts agree it takes up to six weeks to create a habit so do this for a month and a half and see how things are going. You and the kids can always start adding things to build upon successes.

In the meantime, have fun celebrating the new year. Maybe our collective goal should be to be try to make someone else’s life a little bit better whenever we can!

-Scoop out