Helping Kids Set Goals for the New Year

With 2009 right around the corner, it is time to make resolutions for a healthier, happier you. While you are planning steps to improve your quality of life, why not help your kids set goals for the upcoming year as well?

By working with your child to help him set goals from an early age, you establish a foundation of personal accountability, an important quality that she will carry into adulthood.

When discussing resolutions with your child, help him select goals he can achieve but that are challenging as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the following ideas based on age.

Preschoolers — I will:

• Brush my teeth twice each day.
• Pick up my toys.
• Wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.

Kids up to age 12 — I will:

• Be nice to other kids, especially those who are shy or new at school.
• Eat healthy foods and drink milk and water.
• Get more exercise by playing outside or joining a sport.

Teens — I will:

• Be responsible when using a computer.
• Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
• Resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.

Once your child makes a list of resolutions, help him stick to his goals by posting the list on the refrigerator and discussing his progress every two weeks.

For more tools to assist in reaching goals, visit www.childrenshospital.org and search for keyword “goals.”