25 New Year’s resolutions for children and families
by Educate Magazine January 1, 2022 · Blog
A go-to list of achievable resolutions you can make in the New Year.
Now we’re in the final cusp of 2021, it’s a perfect time to look ahead and plan your goals for 2022.
New Year’s is a great opportunity for families and children to reset, regroup and revitalise, particularly after an unusual few years, to say the least. Making resolutions together is also a fun bonding activity that can make your family stronger.
Your resolutions don’t have to be cliché goals which are already broken by January 1st, they can be used to develop a new mindset, improve mental health and spread kindness. Here’s some ideas to kick off the New Year right…
25 New Year’s Resolutions to try in 2022
• Choose a time to wake-up…and stick to it!
It’s time to ditch the snooze button! The cold and dark winter months don’t make getting out of bed easy, but setting a scheduled wake-up time will improve your sleep quality and give you extra energy.
- Do random acts of kindness
When was the last time you did something nice to someone, just because? You could make someone’s day with a compliment, gift or gesture in 2022.
- Turn off your phone
We’re not saying you should get rid of your phone completely, but turning it off while socialising with friends or spending time with family will help you be more present and appreciate those special moments even more.
- Try something new
Has there been something on your bucket list for a while? It’s time to finally do it! This could be something simple like trying that new restaurant everyone has been raving about, learning a language or getting adventurous with a new sport!
- Volunteer
Volunteering allows you to connect with your local community and make a real difference. For children, this meaningful experience could help develop their self-confidence and learn important life skills for their future.
- Be more productive
Getting things done is a lot simpler with the right tools. Use a notepad to write down to-do lists and use a diary to schedule family time or homework. To save paper, you could also use the notes app on your phone.
- Read a book a month
New Year, new book? Reading is important at any age to learn new ideas, improve memory and increase attention span. It’s also a great way to unwind after a long day, instead of picking up your phone for the hundredth time. Whether you enjoy crime, fantasy, action or non-fiction, you’re sure to find the right book for you!
- Treat yourself with kindness
Remember what we said in number 2? As well as being nice to others, remember to treat yourself with kindness in 2022. Live by the mantra: “Treat yourself how you would treat a good friend.”
- Spend time outside
There are many different ways to explore the great outdoors. Visit your local park, go for an outdoor picnic or tell stories around a campfire – the possibilities are endless!
• Print your digital photos
Printing photos makes memories more tangible and accessible. And trust us, you won’t regret this when you break your phone or lose it! Plus, you could use this as a fun crafting activity to make a scrapbook full of family memories.
• Help the planet
Climate change and waste have been big talking points in 2021. Why not aim to reduce what you buy and recycle more in the year ahead? As a family, you could come up with new ways to reuse different household items.
• Exercise…to feel good!
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore! Do what feels right for you and your body. This could include joining a gym, taking part in a weekly class or simply walking more regularly.
• Start saving
Start planning for the future by setting aside some money. This resolution is perfect for children of any age too. Little ones can start with a piggy bank and gradually work their way up to a bank card or savings app.
• Take time for self-care
Do something nice for yourself once a week! Make time to read a favourite book, go for a long walk or catch up with friends.
• Visit somewhere you’ve never been
Big travel plans might not be on the cards just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit somewhere new. You could take a Roman tour in Chester, explore Snowdonia National Park in Wales or be a tourist in our capital city, London.
• Drink more water
An obvious choice for a New Year’s resolutions list but one that shouldn’t be forgotten! Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day can boost your mood, energy levels and avoid dehydration.
• Be kind on social media
Whatever you think about social media, it’s not going anywhere. Now is a perfect opportunity to educate the young people in your life about its benefits, risks and how to be a kind citizen online.
• Make healthier choices
A few simple food swaps could transform your health and wellbeing. Why not plan your meals for the week ahead to take the stress out of the food shop? You could also look for meat-free alternatives once a week or encourage your children to try new foods by introducing a new ‘mystery’ ingredient, which they have to guess!
• Stay in touch with the people you care about
Life is busy, but a quick call, text or email can make a world of difference. A handwritten letter delivered straight to their door adds that personal touch!
- Do something that scares you
It’s time to get out your comfort zone. Facing your fears isn’t easy, but you will feel amazing afterwards. This could be something simple such as asking for feedback, riding a rollercoaster or speaking in public.
- Declutter your space, and mind!
A cluttered space is a cluttered mind – so get organised in 2022 and tackle your unwanted clothes, books and furniture. Not only will your space look clean but clearing clutter will help you physically, mentally and emotionally.
- Make a new friend
This one is perfect for adults and children alike. Children could join a new club to widen their friendship circle or invite a class mate over for dinner. Adults can make new friends by volunteering, connecting with colleagues outside of work or joining a sports team.
- Take more frequent breaks
Avoid burnout in your work and family life by taking regular breaks. It will be impossible to get everything done if you neglect to recharge your energy! This is just as important for children when revising for a test or completing homework.
- Eat meals together as a family
Take time to sit down for a family meal. Research shows that this genuine (screen free!) connection over food can improve the physical and mental health of all family members. This doesn’t necessarily have to be dinner, why not connect in the mornings over breakfast?
- Track your goals
Whatever your goals are, don’t forget to write them down. Remember to start small and focus on one goal at a time. The best resolutions are ones that you can actually keep!
