A new year is a great moment to talk with kids about goals. New Year’s resolutions for kids should be small, positive and something they can actually see themselves doing. Below are resolution ideas by topic, tips for making them stick and a free goals sheet to print.
A free 2027 goals sheet
Print the 2027 goals printable for kids: kids write or draw their goals for the year, then hang the page on the fridge or tape it inside a notebook.
New Year’s resolution ideas for kids
Kindness
- Say something nice to a classmate every day
- Help a younger kid or a sibling with something hard
- Write a thank-you note once a month
- Invite someone new to play at recess
School and learning
- Read for 15 minutes every night
- Learn the times tables up to 10
- Keep my backpack tidy
- Ask one question in class every day
- Practice handwriting a little each week
Health and habits
- Try one new vegetable each month
- Drink more water and less juice
- Go to bed on time on school nights
- Play outside every day, even for a short time
- Brush my teeth for two whole minutes
Family and home
- Set the table without being asked
- Make my bed every morning
- Have a family game night every week
- Call grandparents once a week
Fun and new skills
- Learn to ride a bike or skate
- Finish a 100-piece puzzle
- Draw something every week in a sketchbook
- Learn three magic tricks
- Plant a seed and keep it alive
How to help kids keep their resolutions
- Pick one to three goals, not ten.
- Make them specific: “read 15 minutes” beats “read more”.
- Use a sticker chart or a calendar to track small wins.
- Check in once a month and celebrate progress.
- If a goal is too hard, make it smaller instead of giving up.
More New Year activities
- New Year color by number
- New Year crossword puzzles, grades 2 to 4
- New Year starter pack: a free mix of activities
- A time capsule: write a letter to yourself to open next New Year’s Eve
Questions parents ask
What age can kids make New Year’s resolutions?
From about 4 or 5. Little ones can draw one goal; older kids can write two or three and plan how to reach them.
What is a good first resolution?
Something small and daily, like reading a short book before bed or helping set the table.
See all New Year activities for kids.
