Encouraging kids to keep their New Year’s resolutions is no small task, especially as a dad. Kids, like adults, can start the year with lots of enthusiasm, but staying consistent can be a challenge. As a father, I’ve found some practical ways to support my children in achieving their goals while making the process fun and rewarding. Here’s what’s worked for me, broken down into easy-to-digest tips:
- Start with realistic goals.
Kids are naturally ambitious, and that’s a wonderful thing. But as a dad, I’ve learned it’s important to guide them toward goals they can realistically achieve. For example, if my son says he wants to “become a pro soccer player this year,” I encourage him to focus on smaller, actionable steps like practicing three times a week or joining a soccer clinic. Helping them break down big dreams into manageable tasks sets them up for success early on.
- Make it their idea.
I’ve noticed that when goals come from me, my kids are a lot less enthusiastic about sticking to them. So, I try to let them take the lead. I’ll casually ask questions like, “What’s something you’d like to get better at this year?” or “What’s one thing you really want to accomplish?” Giving them ownership of their resolutions makes them much more invested in the process.
- Keep goals age-appropriate.
My two kids are at very different stages—my younger one is still in grade school, while my older one is a pre-teen. I tailor my approach to each of them. For my younger child, we keep resolutions fun and simple, like reading one new book every month or keeping her room tidy for a week straight. My older kid’s resolutions might involve more structure, like saving a certain amount of allowance money or committing to a weekly workout routine.
- Lead by example.
Kids observe everything we do, so I make sure to set my own resolutions and talk openly about them. For instance, if I’ve resolved to exercise more, I’ll share my progress with them: “I went for a run today—it felt great!” or “I missed my workout yesterday, but I’m planning to get back on track tomorrow.” When they see me working on my goals, it inspires them to stay focused on theirs.
- Create a family goal.
One thing I’ve found especially effective is setting a family resolution. It could be something like “spend more time outdoors” or “have weekly game nights.” Not only does this bring us closer together, but it also models teamwork and accountability. Plus, it’s fun to work toward a shared goal with my kids.
- Use visual trackers.
Kids love visuals, and I’ve found that creating a chart or tracker can be incredibly motivating. For instance, if my daughter’s goal is to practice piano every day, we’ll make a calendar where she can add stickers each time she practices. Seeing her progress laid out visually keeps her excited to continue.
- Celebrate small wins.
When my kids achieve even the smallest milestone, I make sure to give them lots of praise. For example, if my son manages to stick to his resolution for one week, we’ll celebrate with a high-five, a special treat, or a shoutout at the dinner table. Recognizing their effort keeps them motivated and builds their confidence.
- Keep the pressure low.
As much as I want my kids to succeed, I try not to make resolutions feel like a chore or an obligation. If they miss a day or slip up, I remind them that it’s okay and that they can always start fresh tomorrow. This helps them stay focused on progress, not perfection.
- Incorporate fun into the process.
To keep things engaging, I try to make the journey toward their resolutions enjoyable. If my daughter’s goal is to read more, we might turn it into a family reading challenge or take a trip to the library to pick out new books. If my son wants to eat healthier, we’ll cook a healthy recipe together. Making it fun keeps the momentum going.
- Help them reflect.
At the end of each week or month, I sit down with my kids and ask, “How do you feel about your progress?” or “What’s been working well for you?” This gives them a chance to reflect on what they’ve accomplished and think about adjustments they might need to make.
- Be their biggest cheerleader.
I’ve learned that encouragement goes a long way. When my kids are feeling discouraged or unmotivated, I remind them of how far they’ve come and how proud I am of their effort. Sometimes, all they need is a little boost of positivity to keep going.
- Teach them to focus on effort, not results.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve tried to instill in my kids is that the journey matters more than the destination. Whether they hit their resolution perfectly or not, I praise their dedication and effort. This helps them build resilience and a sense of accomplishment, no matter the outcome.
- Reassess and adjust when needed.
Life happens, and sometimes a resolution needs tweaking. About a month into the year, I check in with my kids to see if their goals still feel achievable and rewarding. If not, we make adjustments together. This flexibility teaches them that it’s okay to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
- Make it a yearly tradition.
Over time, setting and working toward resolutions has become a meaningful family tradition for us. We look forward to sitting down together every December to reflect on the past year and brainstorm goals for the next one. It’s a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories.
Encouraging kids to stick to their resolutions takes patience and support, but it’s also incredibly rewarding as a dad. Watching my children grow, learn, and achieve their goals has been one of the most fulfilling parts of parenting. With the right approach, keeping those New Year’s resolutions can be a fun and valuable experience for the whole family.
