January 1st is right around the corner and we all know what that means, time to start thinking about our New Year’s resolutions! As I was thinking about all the great things I want to accomplish in 2010 I started thinking about my kids. Alot of my New Year’s resolutions include my girls, spending more time with them, becoming more involved in their school and extra activities, and helping them achieve their own 6 and 9 year old goals. A thought came to mind-” why not help them set some New Year’s resolutions of their own?”

Helping your child create New Year’s  Resolutions is the beginning of teaching your child the importance of setting goals. Goal setting is a very important skill your child can take all the way in to adulthood. Here are some resolution ideas to help us all get our kids get started.

1. Keeping my bedroom clean and organized. My daughters sure know how to make some messes in their bedroom! A fun to help motivate them to clean up is to make is somewhat of a game, I like to set a timer and give them each 20 minutes and make it a contest on who can get the most done in the 20 minutes.

2. Practicing better hygiene.Brushing your teeth, washing your hands, keeping a chap stick in your pocket when you have dry lips, taking a shower, blow drying your own hair, the list could go on and on. My 2 girls have been begging to straighten their own hair, I think I may just teach them how this year.

3.Volunteering somewhere, “Giving Back”. I think it is very important to teach your kids to help others in need. Set some goals to volunteer at your church or in your neighborhood or anywhere help is needed this year. I guarantee they will feel great knowing they can help and will be so proud of themselves.  Also, have them gather some old toys or clothes and have them personally take them into your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.

4.Doing their best in school. Doing your homework right away and not waiting until the last minute, studying extra for a test, or reading a book that you thought had too many pages. At our house A’s on a report card = $$$. That should be some motivation for any kid!

5.Setting a goal in sports, or other activities. Making a 3 pointer in basketball, perfecting your cartwheel, performing a song in a piano recital, breaking a record of goals scored in soccer, joining the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts… whatever activity they are into they can set a goal to achieve in the year 2010.

As us “parents” work on our New Year’s resolutions this year, let’s remember how much of an example we set for our children. If they see us achieve our goals, then they will want to achieve theirs too!! Happy New Year everyone