New Year’s resolutions for children: how parents can help

Journalist Jordan Page has suggested that families can use January – often the month that prompts self-improvement goals, such as exercising more or reducing screen time – to set and pursue goals together. New Year’s resolutions can help children develop skills, take on responsibilities, and enjoy themselves, which in turn might offer ideas that inspire parents as well. Considered a vital time for self-discovery, parents can encourage their child to explore new hobbies like sports, art, or music (even if it’s just short term). When it comes to food, he suggests that parents could try to make eating vegetables more attractive to children, for example by roasting vegetables instead of boiling them, or allowing children to choose which vegetables they eat, or to blend vegetables into dishes like pasta, curry, or soup. Another way parents can encourage new habits is by making physical exercise fun. Forcing children into sports or focusing solely on appearance can cause self-image issues, so keeping activities light and attainable (e.g. joining an after school club, walking to school when possible) is suggested. He also points out that parents can help children improve their literary skills by visiting a public library, suggesting that this is a great place to let their imagination run wild – and to get away from screens for a bit. Read more here.