In late December, on one of the family walks we try to do around our local pond every weekend, my husband and I share our New Year’s resolutions with our kids—and prompt them to share theirs. But usually, little boys’ resolutions are either overly specific (“I won’t trip my little brother near that big rock again”) or overly broad (“I will be good”). But this year I will be able to provide some guidance, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who recommends these ideas for preschoolers through high schoolers.
Preschoolers
- I will clean up my toys by putting them where they belong.
- I will let my parents help me brush my teeth twice a day. I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
- I will help clear the table when I am done eating.
- I will be friendly to all animals. I will remember to ask the owners if I can pet their animal first.
- I will be nice to other kids who need a friend or look sad or lonely.
- I will talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I need help or am scared.
Kids, 5 to 12 years old
- I will drink reduced-fat milk and water every day, and drink soda and fruit drinks only at special times.
- I will take care of my skin by putting on sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright, sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.
- I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week!
- I will always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or skateboard.
- I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
- I’ll be friendly to kids who may have a hard time making friends by asking them to join activities such as sports or games.
- I will always tell an adult about any bullying I may see or hear about to help keep school safe for everyone.
- I will keep my personal information safe and not share my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without asking my parent if it is okay.
- I will try to talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I have a problem or feel stressed.
- I promise to follow our household rules for videogames and internet use.
Kids, 13 years old and older
- I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day, and I will drink sodas only at special times.
- I will take care of my body through physical activity and eating the right types and amounts of foods.
- I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities. I promise to follow our household rules for videogames and Internet use.
- I will help out in my community – through giving some of my time to help others, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.
- When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find helpful ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or talking about my problem with a parent or friend.
- When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust.
- When I notice my friends are struggling, being bullied or making risky choices, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.
- I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without forcing them to do something or using violence. I will expect to be treated the same way in return.
- I will resist peer pressure to try tobacco-cigarettes, drugs or alcohol. I will also avoid the use of e-cigarettes.
- I agree not to use a cellphone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.
See more at AAP.com. And best wishes to all of our phenomenal followers for a healthy and happy 2016! Thanks so much for your support.
I like these ideas. Thank you so much for the suggestions!