Submitted by Dena Kemmet, Extension Agent/Family and Consumer Sciences

We hear a lot about New Year’s resolutions in December and January. Now might be a good time to introduce children to what a New Year's resolution is. It’s a goal you set to improve something about yourself, starting in the new year. Below are some suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics that are age appropriate resolutions.

Preschoolers

• I will clean up my toys by putting them where they belong.
• 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 help clear the table when I am done eating.
• I will be nice to other kids who need a friend or look sad or lonely.
• I will talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I need help or am scared.

Kids, 5 to 12 years old

• I will drink reduced-fat milk and water every day, and drink soda and fruit drinks only at special times.
• I will take care of my skin by putting on sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright, sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I'm playing sports.
• I will try to find an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) 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'll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
• I will keep my personal information safe and not share my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I'll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without asking my parent if it is okay.

Kids, 13 years old and older

• I will try to eat two servings of fruits and two servings of vegetables every day, and I will drink sodas only at special times.
• I will take care of my body through physical activity and eating the right types and amounts of food.
• 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 in a journal or talking about my problem with a parent or friend.
• When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust.
• When I notice my friends are struggling, being bullied or making risky choices, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.
• I will resist peer pressure to try tobacco-cigarettes, drugs or alcohol. I will also avoid the use of e-cigarettes.
• I agree not to use a cellphone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)