Should I ask my preschooler to make a New Year's resolution?


Talking to children about New Year’s resolutions is a great way to teach them about the importance of setting goals and self-discipline. Take this opportunity to work together as a family and come up with a resolution you can all take part in – whether it is to be more active and go on a walk together every weekend or to help someone in need by volunteering. Making a resolution as a family will bring you closer together throughout the year as you spend quality time with one another working on a common goal. You can also share your own resolutions with your children and help them come up with their own age-appropriate resolutions such as cleaning up their toys or remembering to use their manners. 

Jennie Ito, Ph.D.

Child Development Expert

Jennie Ito is a mother of two and a child development consultant who specializes in children’s play and toys. Before becoming a consultant for LeapFrog, she was an intern at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and later worked as a content expert for the Association of Children’s Museum’s “Playing for Keeps” Play Initiative. Jennie earned her doctorate degree in developmental psychology at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.