Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Kids

Need ideas to get your kiddos involved in making healthy choices for the New Year? The American Academy of Pediatrics has it nailed! Divided into age-appropriate categories, these simple and do-able changes can help you and the kids avoid the usual make ‘em and break ‘em routine. Take a look …

21 HEALTHY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR KIDS

Preschoolers

I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong.

I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.

I won’t tease dogs or other pets – even friendly ones. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

Kids, 5- to 12-years-old

I will drink low fat milk and water three times each day, avoid soda, and limit fruit drinks to once each day.

I will apply 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 a sport (like basketball or soccer) or 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 be active as often as I can.

I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.

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’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends – like someone who is shy, or is new to my school

I’ll never give out personal information such as 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 my parent’s permission.

Kids, 13-years-old and up

I will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable every day, and I will drink water and avoid soda.

I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition.

I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities.

I will help out in my community – through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.

When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or discussing 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 or engaging in risky behaviors, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.

I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence. I will expect the same good behavior in return.

I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.

I agree not to use a cell phone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.

American Academy of Pediatrics, 12/2010

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Now go make it happen, Mamas!