How to Help Kids Set and Keep Resolutions
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
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The new year is a great time for a fresh start. It’s the perfect time to set goals with your kids! But how do you make sure those goals are realistic and doable? Melissa Brandon, principal of PrepNet Virtual Academy, shares tips to help your family make resolutions that stick.
Start by talking with your child about what they’ve done well in the past. Ask them what they’re proud of and share what you’re proud of too. Celebrating their past successes builds confidence and helps them feel good about setting new goals.
Next, talk about what they would like to improve. If they want to get better at something, like reading, focus on smaller steps they can take. For example, if they want to read more, start with a goal to read 20 minutes a day. Write it on the calendar so everyone can stay on track. Better yet, grab a book yourself and build the habit together as a family.
It’s important to keep goals simple and not too big. For example, if your child wants to do better in school, focus on just one subject at a time. If gym class is challenging, a goal might be to show up and try their best every day.
New habits take time to form. “All the research says kids need at least 21 days straight of completing something to create a new habit,” says Brandon.
To make it fun, offer small rewards when your child reaches a goal. For example, if they read every day for a week, let them choose a family activity or their favorite dinner. Not all goals have to be about school. Some can be about feelings, like learning how to stay calm or becoming more confident. Talk with your child about their worries and work together to come up with simple ideas to help.
For example, if they get nervous about homework, teach them to take deep breaths, ask for help, or break the work into smaller tasks. “Checking in lets kids know you care,” Brandon explains. “You’re also helping them learn how to handle tough moments.”
The most important part of setting goals is staying connected. “Even if it feels scary or awkward, parents just need to have conversations with their kids,” says Brandon. Regular check-ins give you a chance to celebrate progress, adjust goals, and show your child how proud you are of their hard work.
Start by talking with your child about what they’ve done well in the past. Ask them what they’re proud of and share what you’re proud of too. Celebrating their past successes builds confidence and helps them feel good about setting new goals.
Next, talk about what they would like to improve. If they want to get better at something, like reading, focus on smaller steps they can take. For example, if they want to read more, start with a goal to read 20 minutes a day. Write it on the calendar so everyone can stay on track. Better yet, grab a book yourself and build the habit together as a family.
It’s important to keep goals simple and not too big. For example, if your child wants to do better in school, focus on just one subject at a time. If gym class is challenging, a goal might be to show up and try their best every day.
New habits take time to form. “All the research says kids need at least 21 days straight of completing something to create a new habit,” says Brandon.
To make it fun, offer small rewards when your child reaches a goal. For example, if they read every day for a week, let them choose a family activity or their favorite dinner. Not all goals have to be about school. Some can be about feelings, like learning how to stay calm or becoming more confident. Talk with your child about their worries and work together to come up with simple ideas to help.
For example, if they get nervous about homework, teach them to take deep breaths, ask for help, or break the work into smaller tasks. “Checking in lets kids know you care,” Brandon explains. “You’re also helping them learn how to handle tough moments.”
The most important part of setting goals is staying connected. “Even if it feels scary or awkward, parents just need to have conversations with their kids,” says Brandon. Regular check-ins give you a chance to celebrate progress, adjust goals, and show your child how proud you are of their hard work.