The New Year brings a fresh start and an opportunity for everyone, including children, to set goals and make resolutions. However, sticking to these resolutions often becomes a challenge, for adults and young ones alike. If children are having trouble sticking to the New Year resolutions, here are a few things parents can do to encourage them and make it a rewarding process.
Explain the concept
The most important part is to make children understand in simple terms what resolutions are. Explain how the goal-setting process – whether it’s picking up a new hobby, developing a habit for self-improvement, or other things. Tell them it’s a fun way to start fresh and focus on something meaningful.
Let them choose
Children should feel empowered to decide their own resolutions. As a parent, you can guide them but avoid imposing goals. Ask questions and brainstorm ideas to help them come up with resolutions that align with their interests and passions. This will give them a sense of satisfaction and achievement, especially when they complete their resolutions.
Keep it simple
Encourage children to focus on a few resolutions instead of overwhelming themselves with too many. Resolutions should be realistic and achievable. They should instil confidence and motivation so that children will stick to them.
Freepik image
Progress & reward
Help children map out a simple plan to achieve their resolutions. Use charts or calendars to track progress. Acknowledge their efforts. Celebrate small wins to keep their enthusiasm alive. Positive reinforcement reinforces good habits and keeps children motivated.
Be flexible
Challenges are inevitable, so teach children that it’s okay to tweak their resolutions. Flexibility ensures that they don’t feel pressured or discouraged when things don’t go as planned. During my growing-up years, while making resolutions, I would always end up with alternate ones. For example, if ‘A’ is my main goal, I would have a ‘B’ as well, so if I was unable to stick to ‘A’ I would complete the ‘B’ one. And, it so happened that it was the alternatives that I ended up fulfilling.
Canva image
Incorporate fun
Make resolutions a fun activity rather than a chore. Gamify the process by turning goals into engaging activities. Encourage accountability by having children reflect on their progress and openly talk about setbacks without fear of judgment or being scolded.
Lead by example
Parents can set a powerful example by sharing their own resolutions and efforts to stick to them. This shows children that it’s okay to struggle and try again.
Family goals
Another way to encourage children to follow their resolutions is by setting family goals and working towards them collectively. This creates a sense of unity and makes the process enjoyable. Discuss progress regularly, perhaps over family meals, to keep everyone engaged.
The focus should be on the effort rather than perfection. Celebrate every milestone and teach children to value the process of self-improvement over merely achieving the outcome.
By fostering a supportive environment, parents can make the resolution journey a joyful experience for children. So, as the New Year unfolds, take this as an opportunity to bond as a family and help your children learn the art of setting and achieving goals.
(Riddhima Kapoor Sahni is a jewellery designer, and daughter of veteran actors Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor)
