2025 New Year’s Resolutions
I feel a bit guilty writing about New Year’s Resolutions when Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet, let alone Christmas! But since I need to write an article that will be published sometime in December, this is my theme for this newsletter.
Resolution: “a promise to yourself to do or not do something” Cambridge Online Dictionary
“a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner” Vocabulary.com
“a decision or determination” Dictionary.com
Have you ever tried making New Year’s Resolutions as a family? I’m sure we have all made resolutions as an individual and the ones that usually get kept after a few weeks are the ones in which we have accountability to someone. It works just the same (or better) in a family situation.
Children can learn a lot about self-discipline, the value of setting goals, accountability, and so much more when they are part of a family activity in which every member gets a chance to suggest an improvement in their family and in themselves.
It is always good to start out on the positive side where everyone shares something they are proud of—of their family unit or of themselves. Since children learn by example, parents should go first. Transitioning to the resolution side, everyone now gets a chance to suggest something they want to improve upon. Start out with family resolutions such as taking a monthly hike together, going to Sunday School classes at church, learning a new skill as a family, or volunteering at the homeless shelter. Try to be specific on how to go about this new family activity and make sure everyone is in agreement. It is helpful to write these down on a piece of paper or in a place the whole family can see it throughout the year, perhaps on the refrigerator door. From time to time during the year, reflect as a family how you are doing in completing these goals.
Then comes the time of self-reflection. Guide your child in seeing some areas of improvement in their own lives. Remember to set the example, parents, by starting out. If you, as a parent, are concerned about your child’s diet, you can encourage healthier eating habits for the child (that usually also affects the entire family)! If your child’s room is in a constant state of upheaval, try to help him make a goal of cleaning their room just 10 minutes per day or a set a different daily “task”. Perhaps your child is struggling with a subject in school. Suggest spending some extra time studying that subject. Oversleeping a problem? Work on bedtime and morning routines that will make the mornings easier. As you review each person’s goals and resolutions during the year, be careful to praise constantly and not to punish for not completing a goal. Remember, resolutions are not rules, they are goals.
Keep these tips in mind when setting goals:
1) Determine simple, long-term goals that can be successful when completing smaller, short-term tasks. Small achievements will give larger results!
2) Get motivated! As a family, think about your motives for these resolutions. Consider your motives and align them with the Word of God. The book of Philippians is a great place to delve into the WORD and ask God for the tools to help you carry out your plans.
3) Always put God first ahead of your goals. Don’t neglect the vital things in your life. Don’t let your busyness for God replace time spent with God.
4) Celebrate the small wins! This is especially crucial for children who can’t always see the big picture and need the constant encouragement.