Should Kids Have New Year’s Resolutions?

If you made a resolution last New Year’s, you were already in the minority. Research consistently shows that only about three in ten adults set New Year’s goals. Following through is even less common, with participation and commitment dropping quickly as the year progresses.

 So, why encourage kids to make resolutions if many adults struggle? 

 Experts say there are many benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to help kids set small, realistic goals, noting they build healthy habits, confidence, and resilience. The Harvard Center on the Developing Child adds that goal-setting provides “positive stress” that strengthens coping skills. 

 While resolutions can be made at any time, the start of a new year simply serves as a natural reminder. “It’s a great time to reflect on where they’ve been and where they’d like to go,” said Dr. Heather Winesett, a pediatrician at Aspirus Health.

 As far as how to start, Dr. Winesett suggests looking at everyday life in a few broad areas and choosing one small, realistic goal:

•  Diet: If your child usually eats vegetables with dinner once or twice a week, try adding one more night. 

• Exercise: If your family gets outside for a walk once a week, aim for twice. 

• Sleep: If bedtime tends to drift later than planned, try moving it up by 10 minutes. 

• School: If your child reads after dinner one or two nights a week, aim for three. 

• Home life: If chores are hit‑or‑miss, choose one simple task to do together each day. 

• Relationships: If playtime with a sibling or friend happens occasionally, try setting aside 20–30 minutes once a week.
  

 The key is to focus on just one small change in one area. Research shows that nearly 90 percent of resolutions often aren’t successful because people try to tackle too many at once.

 “What we're looking for is small, sustained change,” Dr. Winesett explained. “Even a one percent change in our trajectory over time can put us in a completely different spot a year from now.”

 She adds that one of the best ways for parents to begin is by modeling the behavior they’d like to see in their kids, then inviting them to join. And above all, keep it light. “The best thing is just to have fun and laugh about it,” Winesett said. “We’re all going to mess up. Some days, you’re not going to be one percent better, and that’s fine. Just try again tomorrow.”

 In the end, resolutions aren’t about perfection. They’re about progress. By keeping goals small, realistic, and fun, families can turn the New Year into a chance to grow together.