Resolutions to Make With Your Kids in the New Year

Personal growth has a big impact on adults and children alike. Why not start involving your kids in resolutions to mark a fresh start and a clean slate this New Year’s? Afterall, resolutions aren’t only for adults; the whole family can participate. There are different resolutions you can work toward with your kids depending on their ages. 

Goals around money and responsibility are areas many adults work on. Why not start your kids with those foundational goals? The earlier they begin focusing on these areas, the more they can expand on them. If you have kids in multiple age ranges, it can be fun to have them stay on similar themes. Keep reading for constructive and age-appropriate New Year’s resolutions parents can make with their kids around money and responsibility.

Toddlers and Preschoolers (3-5)

1. Financial Resolutions

It’s never too early for financial literacy for kids. Children, especially little kids, start to copy their parents’ behavior. You can start teaching them the value of saving, spending, and giving money. This age group doesn’t have a lot of buying power yet, so you can start easy. Get them a piggy bank and set them up with some easy chores. 

New Year’s Resolution ideas: I will put my money in my piggy bank. I save up for a big thing I want. I will give some of my money to church or a cause I care about.

2. Responsibility Resolutions

As with financial literacy, there’s a lot of importance in teaching responsibility young. Teaching your littles how to accept responsibility and take accountability starts younger than you think. Saying please, thank you, and sorry and understanding why will serve them well through life. 

There’s a lot this age range can’t do by themselves yet, but try to empower them in their abilities. Hygiene, kindness, and picking up are huge areas to gain routine and consistency in. 

New Year’s Resolution ideas: I will brush my teeth, get in the bath, and get ready for bed without fighting. I will be kind to friends at school and siblings at home. I will pick up my toys around the house when I’m asked without throwing a fit.

Grade Schoolers and Middle Schoolers (6-12)

1. Financial Resolutions

Teaching financial responsibility to this age group is a little more involved. As they get closer to upper grade school and middle school, swap the piggy bank for a kid’s debit card. You can control it through an app, so it has parental safeguards. Continue building on your framework of giving, saving, and spending. At this stage, you can increase the chores as well and help them find new ways to earn money. 

New Year’s Resolution ideas: I will put my money in my savings account at the bank. I will find ways to earn extra money. I save up for a big item I want. I will give $50 of my money to church or a cause I care about this year.

2. Responsibility Resolutions

Start upping their responsibility here. Get them an alarm clock and start holding them accountable for waking themselves up and getting ready for school. Increase personal development, exercise, and nutrition focus. Instead of asking them to pick up, have cleaning up after themselves be an expectation. Practice giving more freedoms as they show they are ready to handle it.

New Year’s Resolution ideas: I will set my alarm and get up and dressed for school everyday. I will try fruits and vegetables without complaining. I will read 30 minutes every day. I will find a sport or activity I like and participate all season. 

Teenagers (13-18)

1. Financial Resolutions

The teen years are where financial talks start to get real; You’re continuing those building blocks to help them grow into successful adults. This could be a good time to teach them about long-term savings goals with saving toward a car. In addition to chores and the idea of saving, spending, and giving, you can introduce bills. This could be charging older teens a portion of their car insurance or phone bill. It’s about having them learn to manage money and obligations, while saving, giving, and having fun. 

New Year’s Resolution ideas: I will put my money in my savings account to save up for a car. I will pay all my bills on time. I will get a job and earn money.

2. Responsibility Resolutions

Each year you have to let go a little more to let your child learn independence. These years are hard with the growing pains of that. Handing over more and more freedom comes as they earn it through trust and responsibility. Giving them curfews and boundaries is important during this time. Being able to trust your kiddo when you’re not with them is crucial at this stage. 

New Year’s Resolution ideas: I will be on time and prepared for work, school, and activities. I will respect the rules of the car and house and make curfew. I will communicate with my parents when plans change. 

No matter what works for your littles and your family, set achievable and meaningful targets for the year ahead. Working toward goal-setting and attainable resolutions can be empowering. 

And remember, consistency is key to anything you want to make progress in. You don’t accidentally get a six-pack or save money. These resolution areas would be great for the whole family. If you’re feeling adventurous, make a resolution for yourself to support your kids.