With one year coming to a close and another one just on the horizon, it is time that many people start thinking about goals for the new year. Why not make it a family affair and include your preschooler in the goal setting fun this time around? There are endless benefits when encouraging your little one to work towards new goals. Whether you end up sticking to your resolutions for the whole year or just a few months, as long as you’re working together as a family and encouraging one another, by this time next year, you’re sure to look back and see all the progress you’ve made. So where do you begin?
Include Them in Things You Care About
The best way to ensure success when it comes to tackling goals with preschoolers is by setting a positive example and maintaining your own resolutions. If New Year’s Resolutions haven’t been your thing in the past, then it may be safe to assume that it won’t be your child’s thing either. However, this can work both ways – if you are going to be actively pursuing a goal, why not include your little one? Sharing something you care deeply about can only be a positive thing, and if your preschooler sees you working towards your own goal then that will most certainly rub off on them as well. Don’t be afraid to help them step outside of their comfort zone and see how much they can grow in the process (as if they aren’t already growing too quickly!).
Keep It Simple
The process of starting a New Year’s Resolution is fairly simple. You see something in your life that you want to improve, and you begin taking steps toward a positive change. It doesn’t have to get too complicated, especially when you’re dealing with preschool-age children. The difficult part is deciding which area of your life needs improving. For a preschooler, it should be easy. You will most likely want to choose something that they deal with every day, and it can be as creative as you’d like! Here are a few ideas:
- Making their bed each morning
- Feeding pets breakfast or dinner
- Trying new foods
- Reading together every night
- Learning to ride a bike
- Saying please and thank you
- Putting away toys before getting out new ones
Build to Bigger Things
Now that you have set the foundation for your preschooler’s New Year’s Resolution(s), you have set yourself up for success in the long run. No matter how small this year’s resolution may be, it paves the way for your child to continue growing and maturing while also taking on more responsibility. Whether you take this idea lightheartedly or with the intent to introduce them to the soon-to-be dreaded concept of chores, the opportunities for bonding and growth are undeniable. At the end of the day, parents want the very best for their kids, and this is a wonderful way to start that process. It may seem forever away, but soon enough that energetic preschooler is going to turn into a grown man or woman, and this may just be a small part that they will carry along the journey with them.
For more information on special preschool programs that help and support your child in reaching his or her learning goals, talk to the staff at one of the premiere schools listed on Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies Atlanta. The Kids ‘R’ Kids First Class Curriculum® incorporates many learning tools that are fun and engaging, and the staff would love to discuss each program with you.
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 environments 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.
