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SALT LAKE CITY — Kids' resolutions often seem like a lot more fun than those of adults: some want to play with friends more; others just want to eat more ice cream.
Parents, though, seem to have higher expectations for their children. Their top goals for their kids in 2012, according to a new survey, involved getting into habits that would be helpful for years to come, including being more engaged in school and having healthier eating habits.
It can be difficult to get kids excited about making resolutions, which is why Laura Lewis Brown at PBS.org suggests making resolutions a family activity.
"Each family member gets a turn sharing something they are proud of and something they want to improve," she said.
Deseret News:
Top New Year's resolutions parents wish their kids would make
One child told a KSL reporter his resolution for the new year was "to make everything 25 cents." Another said, "To eat more ice cream." A new survey, however, shows that parents' hopes for kids are a bit more practical.Brown also suggested remembering to make different resolutions based on your kids' ages and to serve as a role model for your child.
"Parents should be reflective about how they wish to be in the coming year," Dr. Benjamin Siegel, professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, told Brown. "It's a good opportunity to promote good mental and physical health."
Siegal said what is important in helping children make lasting New Year's resolutions is to acknowledge their accomplishments.
"Children will benefit by having the parent praise them, which will improve their self-esteem," he said. "This will help them with self-regulatory behaviors that they can integrate into being a healthy adult."
