Happy New Year!
The following list of Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Kids was created by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 12/08.
Preschoolers
- I will clean up my toys.
- 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 – even friendly ones.
Kids, 5- to 12-years-old
- I will drink milk and water, and limit soda and fruit drinks.
- I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors.
- I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity that I like and do it at least three times a week!
- I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.
- I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car.
- 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.
Kids, 13-years-old and up
- I will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable every day, and I will limit the amount of soda I drink.
- I will take care of my body with physical activity & nutrition.
- I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only 1-2 hours each day on these activities.
- I will help out in my community – through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people.
- I will wipe negative “self talk” (i.e. “I can’t do it” or “I’m so dumb”) out of my vocabulary.
- 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.
- I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence.
- When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk with an adult about my choices.
- I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.
