New year's resolutions and your kids

New Year’s resolutions for kids

Wouldn’t it be great to know that your child was going to do his very best to be the best in 2010: that he fully intended to let you brush his teeth without whining, eat his greens, do his chores, complete his homework… We’re not making any promises, but these New Year tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) should help you focus his mind on the behaviour you’d love to see more of!

Your preschooler…

• I’ll clean up my toys You can help out by providing an easy clean-up prop in the shape of a big storage tub or toybox that will stop him from just hiding all those toys under his bed…
• I’ll wash and brush-up without whining That means brushing teeth twice a day, and washing hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
• I won’t tease dogs That goes for friendly ones too – even if its owner assures you his pet loves kids, dogs are unpredictable and a young child’s swift, excited movements and gestures can antagonize them.

Your child…

• I’ll drink healthily This means choosing milk and water, instead of fizzy and fruit drinks that haven’t been within a country mile of any real fruit!
• I’ll practice sun safety I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors, try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I'm playing sports.
• I’ll keep active I will try to find a sport (like basketball or football) or an activity (like playing catch, skipping, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week.
• I’ll stay safe by always wearing a helmet when going on my bike, and by sitting sensibly in the back seat of the car.
• I’ll be nice to other kids I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends – like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.
• I’ll be cyber-savvy I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I'll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parents’ permission.

Your teen…

• I’ll take care of my body by eating healthily – at least one fruit and one vegetable every day and limited amounts of fizzy drinks– and getting plenty of physical activity.
• I’ll watch what I watch I’ll choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities.
• I’ll help out in my community by volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.
• I’ll think positively and ignore my inner critic when he tells me I can’t do it or that I’m stupid.
• I’ll send my stress packing When I feel angry or stressed out, I’ll take a break and find constructive ways to deal, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.
• I’ll seek advice When faced with a difficult decision, I’ll talk with an adult about my choices.
• I’ll be careful about dating and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence.
• I’ll resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol or engage in any kind of risky behaviour.
• I’ll be there for my friends When I notice my friends are struggling or engaging in risky behaviour, I’ll talk with a trusted adult and try to find a way that I can help them.