It’s easy to make New Year’s Resolutions, but much more challenging to make the goals last. For families, planning together can be the difference between a resolution that fades and interesting goals that become lasting habits. One of the best ways to keep your New Year’s resolutions is to plan as a family and get your children involved.
Help your children think of creative activities that they enjoy. If you keep the resolutions simple and leave plenty of room for adjustments, your child will have a great time and learn a positive behavior as well. First, talk to your child and find out what he would like to accomplish. He may want to master a game level or play a sport better. While such a goal may not be important to you, it creates a life-skill opportunity for your child to be more determined and learn to focus.
Look for goals for your child that you can pursue together. For example, if your child wants to play a sport better, you can decide to exercise more. Then you can practice together. If you want to spend more quality time with your children and your child wants to reach a new game level, you can watch your child play or join in the fun. Whatever you decide, think of simple ways to have fun spending quality time together.
Check with your child’s preschool and see if there are any programs or activities that he is already involved in that you can assist with at home. Many preschools have online learning tools that have several options for your child to select. Parent’s can assist with the online learning while enjoying quality time together. Also, parents can spend time watching their child demonstrate what he is learning at preschool – a new dance, a song, or foreign language.
Avoid expecting quick change and setting goals that take a long time to complete. Transition requires patience. Set goals with plenty of time to accomplish with specific, short range ending dates. When a goal is not met, regroup and start again. If you give yourself plenty time, your goal will likely become a habit. Monitor your success. Award victories, and encourage each other regularly. New Year’s resolutions should not be laws that can’t be broken; they are simply goals that help you focus on a specific task.
Write down your plan, make changes and revisions, and continue to try until you see your success! Most of all, enjoy your time together.
For more information on preschool special programs that help your child reach learning goals, talk to the staff at Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies Atlanta. They incorporate many learning tools that are fun and engaging and would love to discuss their programs and curriculum.
About Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies®
Headquartered in the North Atlanta suburb of Duluth, GA, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies® provide secure, nurturing, and educational environment for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. With over 160 locations in 15 states, Kids ‘R’ Kids International® is a family owned and operated organization that ranks in the top 10 nationwide for franchised early childhood education centers. Find a Kids R Kids location near you.
