A Happy New Year For Children and Youth

Ashleytarter   -   January 2, 2024

The New Year symbolizes new beginnings, fresh starts, and new aspirations. As adults, we often make our resolutions for the New Year, but it’s essential to involve our children in the process of welcoming a fresh start.

Here are a few tips on how to involve your children in planning for the New Year :

  1. Make a New Year’s resolution together: Sit down with your children, and brainstorm resolutions that you can work on together. This can be anything from completing a craft project, walking 30 minutes every day, to limiting screen time. Once you have chosen your resolution, break it down into smaller, manageable steps, so that it’s easier to keep track of your progress.
  2. Create a vision board: A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, dreams, and aspirations. Encourage your children and youth to create their vision boards for the New Year. Give them some old magazines, newspapers, markers, and glue. Let them cut out pictures and words that represent their goals for the year. Display the vision boards in a prominent place in the house where everyone can see them. This will help keep you and your children motivated to keep working towards your goals.
  3. Celebrate with a family game night: Family time is essential, and what better way to celebrate the New Year than with a family game night? Gather your family, board games, and snacks, and have a fun night in. This will create memories that your children and youth will cherish for years to come.
  4. Volunteer as a family: One of the best ways to start the New Year is by giving back to the community. Encourage your children and youth to volunteer at a local charity or shelter. This will teach them the value of giving, empathy, and compassion.
  5. Be mindful and practice gratitude: With all the excitement of the New Year, it’s easy to forget the things and people we should be thankful for. Practicing gratitude can help us become more mindful and appreciative of the blessings in our lives. Encourage your children and youth to keep a gratitude journal where they can write down things they’re thankful for each day.

The New Year is an excellent opportunity to help your children and youth cultivate hope, optimism, and a sense of community. By involving them in the New Year’s celebration and creating new traditions, you allow them to feel included and engaged. With this year’s challenges, it’s vital to practice gratitude, spread kindness, and have fun together as a family. Remember to show appreciation to your loved ones and to continue to grow together as a family.

I pray this helps!

Errika Wilkerson
Director of Children and Youth
Dare to Imagine Church