The New Year is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings, and it’s not just for adults—kids can get in on the fun, too! Setting New Year’s resolutions with your children can teach them the value of goal-setting, self-improvement, and reflection in a way that’s exciting and age-appropriate. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bond as a family and create meaningful traditions.
Here’s how to make New Year’s resolutions fun for kids and tips on setting achievable goals together.
Kids naturally enjoy dreaming big, and resolutions are a chance to channel that energy into developing life skills.
By involving kids in the process, you’re not just setting goals—you’re teaching them how to embrace personal growth in a supportive environment.
Fun and Creative Resolution Ideas for Kids
Encourage your child to explore something new, like learning to bake, trying a new sport, or starting a creative project like painting or scrapbooking.
Set a goal to read a certain number of books this year. Make it fun by choosing a mix of adventure, fantasy, and educational reads.
Plan weekly or monthly outdoor adventures like hiking, riding bikes, or simply playing in the park.
Create a kindness jar where kids can write down small acts of kindness they accomplish, like helping a friend or donating toys.
Help your child set a goal to learn something new, like playing an instrument, sewing, or even helping cook in the kitchen!
Encourage kids to keep their room or play area tidy by setting small, manageable goals, such as putting toys away each day.
Let them pick one household chore, such as setting the table or folding laundry, they’d like to master this year.
Promote physical activity with fun challenges, such as completing a certain number of jumping jacks or dancing to their favorite songs for 10 minutes a day.
Teach financial responsibility by encouraging kids to save a portion of their allowance for a toy, book, or outing they want.
Start a gratitude journal where they write or draw one thing they’re thankful for each day or week.
Focus on one or two achievable goals instead of overwhelming them with too many.
Frame goals as challenges or adventures to keep them motivated and excited.
Help your child define clear, actionable goals. For example, instead of “be helpful,” try “help fold laundry once a week.”
Break larger goals into smaller steps and set realistic timelines. For example, “read one book a month” is more manageable than “read 12 books.”
Reward progress with positive reinforcement. Celebrate achievements with family movie nights, small treats, or words of encouragement.
Setting New Year’s resolutions with kids can be a meaningful and enjoyable experience for the whole family. By keeping it simple, fun, and tailored to their interests, you’ll help your child develop important life skills while creating special memories together.
As the year unfolds, remember to celebrate their progress and cheer them on. With your support, they’ll feel motivated to dream big, try new things, and make each year better than the last!
Inspired and want to read more family-centered holiday content? Subscribe to The Holiday Blog for more family-centered fun all year long!