New Year’s resolutions for kids
Have a kiddo in your life who wants to get in on the New Year’s resolutions craze? Well, the American Academy of Pediatrics has come up with a list of age-appropriate resolution ideas.
Here are a few of the suggestions:
Preschoolers:
- I will let my parents help me brush my teeth twice a day.
- I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
- I will do my best to be nice to other kids who need a friend or look sad or lonely.
- I will talk with my parent or trusted adult when I need help or am scared.
Kids 5 to 12 years old:
- I will drink reduced-fat milk and water most days. Soda and fruit drinks are only for special times.
- I will try to find a sport or an activity that I like and do it at least three times a week.
- I will always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or skateboard.
- I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car.
- I will tell an adult about bullying that I see or hear so I can help to keep school safe for everyone.
Kids 13 years and older:
- I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day. I will only drink soda at special times.
- I will do my best to take care of my body through fun physical activity and eating the right types and amounts of foods.
- When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find helpful ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing or talking about my problem.
- I will resist peer pressure to try tobacco cigarettes, drugs, alcohol and e-cigarettes.
- I agree to not use a cell phone or text message while driving.
For the full list, visit the organization’s HealthyChildren.org website.
Marissa Harshman
I'm the health reporter for The Columbian newspaper in Vancouver, Wash. I started at The Columbian -- my hometown newspaper -- in September 2009. Reach me at marissa.harshman@columbian.com or 360-735-4546.