As we close the book on 2025 and flip to 2026, many families take the opportunity to reflect on the past and plan for the future by making New Year’s resolutions. But what if we taught growth and reflection instead of pressure? 

A New Year’s resolution can be a promise you make yourself to do something new or differently in the new year. New year, new you, right? When done thoughtfully, resolutions can help children build confidence, learn responsibility, and also foster a sense of achievement. But it’s important not to miss a very important first step – setting an intention of the resolution. 

Intention-setting has been proven to help kids learn better as they focus on who they are and who they can be. Intentions can act as guiding principles that can help both kids and adults connect present actions to personal values. 

You might be thinking, “But we set goals, isn’t that the same?” While it might seem that way, goals and intentions are very different. Goals are clear targets that we strive to hit and check off our to-do list. You did it, you made it, congrats! All done. But intentions are about our relationship with ourselves and others and are not dependent on accomplishments. You can foster your intention without ever hitting your goal. 

Even setting parenting goals can set you up for a sense of failure or that dreaded feeling of “not good enough.” But when parenting intentions are set, you can come back to them, day after day, or even hour after hour, to remind yourself how you want to live in the present moment. 

Setting intentions for you, your child, or the family as a whole, allows you to approach life through a lens of your values and life purpose, but how do you begin? 

You could try taking steps to set intentions, like reflecting on the year and what happened, writing down words that resonate, and thinking about what you want to take with you into the new year. Is there a phrase or some words that stick out? Make it your mantra. 

As for your child, help them set intentions and goals that are attainable, but require some effort. This allows them to push themself to meet a new challenge without the challenge being too difficult and them giving up early. 

Instead, break it down. What does your child want to do? How will your child do it? When will your child do it? Where will your child do it? Who are the people that can help? Why is this goal important for your child (aka, what are the intentions)? Resolutions help children understand the importance of making goals realistic. 

After helping your child set a goal, aid your child in setting up checkpoints to review progress (we all love a good reminder). Maybe set up a visual board that displays where they are in the process, or put a visual representation on the fridge. Don’t forget to reward accomplishments and offer encouragement! 

Ready to start setting a goal and intention? Here are some examples that you can work on with your child: 

  • Memorizing the multiplication table
  • Advancing in a reading level
  • Learning how to ride a bike or try a new sport 
  • Explore a new hobby
  • Learning how to play an instrument
  • Learning a new language
  • Make new friends, joining a new club