SO, it’s that time of year where we, as adults, look at our lives and pep talk our selves up into making resolutions to become a better version of ourselves. These resolutions are great. But they’re also notorious to fade by about mid February. Sometimes they fail because they are too lofty in the first place. Or because we get busy. Or we forget. But does that mean we shouldn’t use our time making them and trying?
And is this resolution thing something we can include our kids in?
I think the new year is a great time to pull out a spectacle to evaluate our lives and how we spend our time, doing what and with whom. Life is short and we only get one go at it. So it makes sense to me to periodically check on the projected path our life is headed down to be sure it is the one we want to be on. And why wouldn’t you want to include your kid(s) in that line of thought?
Let’s break it down for you and for them. Get out the paper, crayons, and markers and start writing out and exploring.
Who do you enjoy spending time with? Does your list compare comparably to your kids?
What do you enjoy doing personally? What do you enjoy doing as a family How do those lists compare?
Is there a skill or hobby you and your child have explored or want to dive into together? What about reading books together, learning to cook, learning an instrument, hiking together, learning to sew, paint, or draw together?
Talk about a proud moment or accomplishment from 2019. Now, is there something you might want or be able to expand upon from that into 2020? On the flip side, we can ask our kids if they have a moment they are not proud of and what they have learned from it.
Fitness goals are common in the resolution world. These are often hard to stick out, but is there a way to incorporate the family into these resolutions? Walking is a great family activity, and the kids could add a bike or scooter. When is the last time you went roller skating? (Actually, just last month for me, and I forgot how much fun that is!)
Many kids are picky eaters so talking with them about what they are willing to do to start trying new foods. Is there any desire to help in the kitchen and learn with some new skills?
Evaluate each other’s chore list, or responsibility list, as it may be more appropriately coined. Discuss adding a new chore or responsibility or two to their list. Does your child understand why it’s important for everyone to help with chores? What do chores teach them?
These are all great ideas and questions to explore with your kids. And after you have, find a safe place to keep those papers until next year so you guys can revisit them and continue to grow together.
Carly Paben, B.A., PTA