The new year is a time for fresh starts and resolutions\u2014many of them focusing on healthier, more active lifestyles. Those of us who find it easiest to stick with our resolutions are usually those with the most practice working towards goals and establishing new, positive habits. This makes New Year\u2019s resolutions for kids so important\u2014by helping children attain healthy goals now, you encourage them to adopt healthy lifestyles as they grow into adults.<\/p>\n
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New Year\u2019s resolutions for kids should be age-appropriate and attainable. Simple resolutions are better than complicated plans, as they are easier to track and accomplish.<\/p>\n
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Resolutions for Preschoolers<\/strong><\/p>\n New Year\u2019s resolutions are a new idea for younger children. You\u2019ll have to explain what a resolution is and why we make them. Keep preschool resolutions very simple, and in line with healthy or hygienic skills you\u2019re teaching the child anyway. For instance, possible goals for children under five might include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Health Habits for Kids Aged Five to Twelve<\/strong><\/p>\n Older children with a better understanding of resolutions should be encouraged to make their own healthy resolutions\u2014with your input and guidance. If the child has difficulty deciding on a healthy goal, suggest one of these ideas:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n New Year\u2019s Resolutions for Kids Twelve and Over<\/strong><\/p>\n After age twelve, New Year\u2019s resolutions can get tricky. A child\u2019s say in setting resolutions should be increased, but at the same time peer pressure and puberty can make kids rebel against the whole idea. One option is to make the healthy resolution apply to all family members equally, so everyone is expected to shoot for the same goal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Remember as well a healthy lifestyle is mental as well as physical. Resolutions encouraging a healthy emotional or spiritual state are just as important at this age as those promoting exercise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Possible resolutions for the tween to teen crowd include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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