As we start a new year, it's a great opportunity to inspire kids about setting and achieving goals. New Year's resolutions for kids can be an exciting journey. They can learn important life skills like planning, determination, and resilience.

These resolutions can cover various areas, from learning and health goals to personal growth and kindness. Setting these objectives as a family can be a wonderful experience, leading to a year of exploration, growth, and fulfillment.

As the New Year approached, I had a cozy chat with my 7-year-old daughter. She asked me about New Year's resolutions, so I explained that it's a tradition where we choose something to improve or learn in the coming year. She bravely confessed that she sometimes struggles to listen in class and wanted to get better at it. I praised her honesty and suggested making it her own New Year's resolution – a commitment to work on her listening skills.

Let's discover some fun New Year's resolutions for kids to start their new year together!

Related: Free New Year's Resolution Printable

What is a New Year's Resolution for Kids?

New Year's resolutions for kids are commitments or goals that children set for themselves at the beginning of the year. These resolutions are meant to encourage personal growth, develop good habits, and inspire positive change.

They can range from academic or physical goals to improving social skills or helping others. By setting and working towards their New Year's resolutions, kids can learn valuable life lessons such as perseverance, self-discipline, and the importance of setting achievable goals.

Why Do We Set Goals for Kids?

Before we jump into the list of New Year's resolutions, let's understand why setting goals is crucial for kids. Goal setting teaches children to identify their desires and work towards achieving them. It gives them a sense of purpose and direction in life.

When kids set achievable goals, they feel a sense of accomplishment which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Moreover, it develops important skills like time management, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Overall, setting goals helps kids grow into responsible and successful individuals.

29 New Year's Resolutions for Kids

As mentioned earlier, New Year's resolutions can cover various aspects of your kids' lives. Here are some categories to help you and your kids explore different types of resolutions together:

Learning Chinese Goals

1. Speak Chinese Daily at home.

Traditional Chinese: 每天在家說中文。
Simplified Chinese: 每天在家说中文。
Pinyin: Měitiān zàijiā shuō zhōngwén.
Cantonese Chinese: 每日喺屋企講中文。
Jyutping Cantonese: mui5 jat6 hai2 uk1 kei5 gong2 zung13 man4.

Learning a new language is an exciting and challenging journey. Encourage your child to make it a habit to speak Chinese daily at home. Not only will this improve their language skills, but it also provides an opportunity for cultural immersion and appreciation.

You can even make it into a game or activity by setting up role-plays or practicing new vocabulary together. By making learning Chinese fun and a part of their daily routine, your child will be on their way to becoming fluent in no time!

2. Learn a new Chinese word every week!

Traditional Chinese: 每週學習一個新的中文字！
Simplified Chinese: 每周学习一个新的中文字！
Pinyin: Měizhōu xuéxí yīgè xīn de zhōngwénzì!
Cantonese Chinese: 每星期學習一個新嘅中文字！
Jyutping Cantonese: mui5 sing1 kei4 hok6 zaap6 jat1 go3 san1 ge3 zung1 man4 zi6!

Learning Chinese characters can be a daunting task, but it is an essential part of mastering the language. Set a goal for your child to learn one new Chinese word each week. This not only expands their vocabulary but also gives them a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to keep learning.

You can make flashcards to make the learning process more interactive and engaging. As your child becomes more confident in recognizing and writing Chinese characters, they will feel proud of their progress and continue to strive for improvement.

Check out our Chinese printables that can help your child for learning Chinese.

3. Watch Chinese Movies or shows

Traditional Chinese: 看中文電影或節目。
Simplified Chinese: 看中文电影或节目。
Pinyin: Kàn zhōngwén diànyǐng huò jiémù
Cantonese Chinese: 睇中文電影或節目。
Jyutping Cantonese: tai2 zung3 man4 din6 jing2 waak6 zit3 muk6

Watching Chinese movies or TV shows is a great way for kids to improve their language skills while having fun. You can choose age-appropriate content and watch it together as a family. Encourage your child to pay attention to the dialogue and pick up new words and phrases.

After watching, you can discuss the plot, characters, and any cultural references with your child, making it a fun and educational experience. It also helps to expose your child to different accents and dialects, which will broaden their understanding of the Chinese language.

Check out:

15 BEST Spring Videos and Songs for Kids to Learn: Chinese & English

4. Read Chinese Books.

Traditional Chinese: 看中文書。
Simplified Chinese: 看中文书。
Pinyin: Kàn zhōngwén shū.
Cantonese Chinese: 讀中文書。
Jyutping Cantonese: duk6 zung1 man4 syu1.

Reading Chinese books is another effective way to improve a child's language skills. Start with simple picture books and gradually move on to more advanced materials as your child's reading ability improves. You can also choose books that touch on topics your child is interested in, such as animals, sports, or fantasy.

Reading aloud together can help with pronunciation and comprehension, and discussing the story and characters can make it a fun learning experience. Additionally, reading Chinese books will also expose your child to Chinese culture and history, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the language.

Check out: 29 Astonishing Mid-Autumn Festival Books that Sparkle with Cultural Richness

Health and Fitness

5. Drink water Daily and Healthy beverages.

Traditional Chinese: 每天喝水並選擇健康飲料。
Simplified Chinese: 每天喝水并选择健康饮料。
Pinyin: Měitiān hē shuǐ bìng xuǎnzé jiànkāng yǐnliào
Cantonese Chinese: 每日飲水同選擇健康飲品。
Jyutping Cantonese: mui5 jat6 jam2 seoi2 tung4 syun2 zaak6 gin6 hong1 jam2 ban2.

Teaching and encouraging kids to prioritize their health is key. Drinking water is essential for staying hydrated, aiding digestion, regulating body temperature, and managing weight.

Encourage them to choose healthy drinks like milk, which provide important nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin D for strong bones and muscle growth. By adopting these habits early on, we lay the foundation for lifelong health. Let's guide them in making smart choices for their bodies!

6. Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Traditional Chinese: 多吃水果和蔬菜。
Simplified Chinese: 多吃水果和蔬菜。
Pinyin: Duō chī shuǐguǒ hé shūcài.
Cantonese Chinese: 多食水果同蔬菜。
Jyutping Cantonese: do1 sik6 seoi2 gwo2 tung4 so1 coi3.

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are important for growth and development. This resolution can be made more fun by making it a family goal – involve kids in grocery shopping, let them pick out their favorite produce, and get creative with recipes!

7. Try new foods.

Traditional Chinese: 嘗試新食物。
Simplified Chinese: 尝试新食物。
Pinyin: Chángshì xīn shíwù.
Cantonese Chinese: 嘗試新食物。
Jyutping Cantonese: soeng4 si3 san1 sik6 mat6.

Encourage picky eaters to step out of their comfort zones and try new foods. This resolution can be a fun adventure as they discover new flavors and textures. As parents, we play a crucial role in exposing our children to diverse food choices and creating positive associations with food.

8. Limit screen time and play outside more.

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Traditional Chinese: 限制螢幕時間並多在戶外玩耍。
Simplified Chinese: 限制屏幕时间并多在户外玩耍。
Pinyin: Xiànzhì píngmù shíjiān bìng duō zài hùwài wánshuǎ
Cantonese Chinese: 限制屏幕時間同多喺出面玩。
Jyutping Cantonese: haan6 zai3 ping4 muk6 si4 gaan3 tung4 do1 hai2 ceot1 min2 waan4.

In today's digital age, it is important to set boundaries when it comes to screen time. Encourage your kids to spend more time playing outside and engaging in imaginative play rather than being glued to screens. This resolution can also be a great opportunity for family bonding as you explore nature together.

9. Brush teeth twice a day and floss daily.

Traditional Chinese: 每天刷牙兩次，每天使用牙線。
Simplified Chinese: 每天刷牙两次，每天使用牙线。
Pinyin: Měi tiān shuā yá liǎng cì, měi tiān shǐyòng yá xiàn.
Cantonese Chinese: 每日刷牙兩次，每日用牙線。
Jyutping Cantonese: mui5 jat6 caat3 ngaa4 loeng5 ci3, mui5 jat6 jung6 ngaa4 sin3.

Oral hygiene is an essential aspect of overall health. By setting a resolution to brush teeth twice a day and floss daily, kids can develop good oral habits that will benefit them in the long run. Make it fun by playing their favorite song while they brush or creating a reward system for consistently following this resolution.

Academic Goals

10. Read a certain number of books each month or year.

Traditional Chinese: 每個月或每年閱讀一定數量的書籍。
Simplified Chinese: 每个月或每年阅读一定数量的书籍。
Pinyin: Měi gè yuè huò měi nián yuè dú yí dìng shù liàng de shū jí.
Cantonese Chinese: 每個月或每年閲讀一定數量嘅書籍。
Jyutping Cantonese: mui5 go3 jyut6 waak6 mui5 nin4 jyut6 duk6 jat1 ding6 sou3 loeng6 ge3 syu1 zik6.

Reading is a fundamental skill that can benefit children in all aspects of their lives. Encourage your kids to set a goal for how many books they would like to read each month or year. This resolution will not only help them develop their reading skills but also expand their knowledge and imagination.

11. Improve math skills through regular practice.

Traditional Chinese: 通過定期練習來提高數學技能。
Simplified Chinese: 通过定期练习来提高数学技能。
Pinyin: Tōngguò dìngqī liànxí lái tígāo shùxué jìnéng.
Cantonese Chinese: 透過定期練習嚟提高數學技能。
Jyutping Cantonese: tau3 gwo3 ding6 kei4 lin6 zaap6 lei4 tai4 gou1 sou3 hok6 gei6 nang4.

Math can be a daunting subject for many kids, but setting a resolution to improve their skills can make it more manageable. Encourage your child to practice math regularly, whether it be through fun games or daily exercises. This will not only help them excel academically but also build confidence in their abilities.

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12. Complete homework on time.

Traditional Chinese: 按時完成作業。
Simplified Chinese: 按时完成作业。
Pinyin: Ànshí wánchéng zuòyè.
Cantonese Chinese: 按時做完功課。
Jyutping Cantonese: on3 si4 zou6 jyun4 gung1 fo3.

Kids need to learn responsibility and time management skills, and setting a resolution to complete homework assignments on time can help with that. Encourage your child to create a study schedule and stick to it. This will not only improve their academic performance but also reduce stress levels.

Check out our tools that can help your child with time management:

13. Participate in class and ask questions.

Traditional Chinese: 積極參與課堂並提出問題。
Simplified Chinese: 积极参与课堂并提出问题。
Pinyin: Jījí cānyù kètáng bìng tíchū wèntí.
Cantonese Chinese: 積極參與課堂同提出問題。
Jyutping Cantonese: zik1 gik6 caam1 jyu5 fo3 tong4 tung4 tai4 ceot1 man6 tai4.

Kids need to be engaged and involved in their learning. Encourage your child to set a resolution to participate actively in class and ask questions when needed. This will not only help them better understand the material, but also build confidence in expressing themselves.

Kindness and Empathy

14. Be kind and help others.

Traditional Chinese: 要善良並幫助他人。
Simplified Chinese: 要善良并帮助他人。
Pinyin: Yào shànliáng bìng bāngzhù tārén.
Cantonese Chinese: 要善良同幫助其他人。
Jyutping Cantonese: jiu3 sin6 loeng4 bing6 bong1 zo6 taa1 jan4.

This will not only make them feel good but also teach them the value of empathy and compassion.

15. Volunteer or donate.

Traditional Chinese: 參與義工或捐贈。
Simplified Chinese: 参与义工或捐赠。
Pinyin: Cānyù yìgōng huò juānzèng.
Cantonese Chinese: 參與義工或捐助。
Jyutping Cantonese: caam1 jyu5 ji6 gung1 waak6 gyun1 zo6.

Encourage your child to choose a cause they are passionate about, such as animal welfare or environmental conservation, and find ways to contribute, whether it's through volunteering their time or donating money. This will not

16. Practice gratitude with a journal.

Traditional Chinese: 使用感恩日記。
Simplified Chinese: 使用感恩日记。
Pinyin: Shǐyòng gǎn'ēn rìjì.
Cantonese Chinese: 使用感恩日記。
Jyutping Cantonese: si6 jung6 gam2 jan1 jat6 gei3.

Encourage your child to start a gratitude journal where they can write down things they are thankful for each day. This will not only help them focus on the positive aspects of their lives but also teach them to appreciate and be grateful for what they have.

17. Practice self-love and acceptance.

Traditional Chinese: 培養自愛和接受自己。
Simplified Chinese: 培养自爱和接受自己。
Pinyin: Péiyǎng zì ài hé jiēshòu zìjǐ.
Cantonese Chinese: 培養自愛和接受自己。
Jyutping Cantonese: pui4 joeng5 zi6 oi3 wo4 zip3 sau6 zi6 gei2.

Remind your child to love and accept themselves for who they are. Encourage them to embrace their unique traits and talents. Teach them to practice self-love and acceptance by celebrating their individuality. Additionally, positive affirmations can be a helpful tool to boost their confidence and promote a healthy self-image.

Organization and Responsibility

18. Keep a tidy room and put away toys.

Traditional Chinese: 保持房間整潔，收起玩具。
Simplified Chinese: 保持房间整洁，收起玩具。
Pinyin: Bǎochí fángjiān zhěngjié, shōu qǐ wánjù.
Cantonese Chinese: 保持房間整潔，收起玩具。
Jyutping Cantonese: bou2 ci4 fong2 gaan1 zing2 jit3, sau1 hei2 wun6 geoi6.

Encourage your child to develop a sense of responsibility by keeping their room clean and tidy. Set a resolution for them to put away their toys after playing with them, helping them understand the importance of organization and cleanliness.

19. Help with household chores.

Traditional Chinese: 幫忙做家務。
Simplified Chinese: 帮忙做家务。
Pinyin: Bāngmáng zuò jiāwù.
Cantonese Chinese: 幫手做家務。
Jyutping Cantonese: bong1 sau2 zou6 gaa1 mou6.

Teach your child the importance of contributing to the household by setting a resolution for them to help with simple tasks such as setting the table, folding laundry, or watering plants. This will not only make them feel like a valuable part of the family but also teach them responsibility and teamwork.

Check out: The Ultimate Free Chores Chart Printable – Get the Kids Organized!

20. Prepare school bags and clothes the night before.

Traditional Chinese: 每晚準備好書包和衣服。
Simplified Chinese: 每晚准备好书包和衣服。
Pinyin: Měi wǎn zhǔnbèi hǎo shūbāo hé yīfú.
Cantonese Chinese: 每晚準備好書包同衣服。
Jyutping Cantonese: mui5 maan5 zeon2 bei6 hou2 syu1 baau1 tung4 ji1 fuk6.

Set a resolution for your child to prepare for the next day by packing their school bag and laying out their clothes the night before. This will help them start their day smoothly and avoid rushing in the morning.

Environmental Awareness

21. Cut down waste by recycling and reusing items.

Traditional Chinese: 減少廢物，回收和再利用物品。
Simplified Chinese: 减少废物，回收和再利用物品。
Pinyin: Jiǎnshǎo fèiwù, huíshōu hé zài lìyòng wùpǐn.
Cantonese Chinese: 減少廢物，回收同再利用物品。
Jyutping Cantonese: gaam2 siu3 fai3 mat6, wui4 sau1 tung4 zoi3 lei6 jung6 mat6 ban2.

Set a resolution for your child to become more environmentally conscious by reducing waste through recycling and reusing items. This will not only benefit the planet but also teach them important values of sustainability and conservation.

22. Conserve water and electricity.

Traditional Chinese: 節約用水和電力。
Simplified Chinese: 节约用水和电力。
Pinyin: Jiéyuē yòngshuǐ hé diànlì.
Cantonese Chinese: 節約用水同電力。
Jyutping Cantonese: zit3 joek3 jung6 seoi2 tung4 din6 lik6.

Teach your child the importance of conserving natural resources by setting a resolution for them to save water and electricity. This will help them understand their impact on the environment and encourage them to take small steps towards a greener lifestyle.

23. Plant trees or participate in gardening.

Traditional Chinese: 植樹或參與園藝活動。
Simplified Chinese: 植树或参与园艺活动。
Pinyin: Zhí shù huò cānyù yuányì huódòng.
Cantonese Chinese: 蒔樹或參與園藝活動。
Jyutping Cantonese: zi4 syu6 waak6 caam1 jyu4 jyun4 ngai6 wut6 dung6.

Encourage your child to connect with nature and make a positive impact on the environment by setting a resolution for them to plant trees or participate in gardening activities. This will not only help beautify their surroundings but also teach them about the importance of preserving our planet.

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Communication Skills

24. Practice active listening and responding appropriately.

Traditional Chinese: 練習主動聆聽並恰當回應。
Simplified Chinese: 练习主动听取并恰当回应。
Pinyin: Liànxí zhǔdòng lìngtīng bìng qiàdàng huíyìng.
Cantonese Chinese: 練習主動聆聽同適當回應。
Jyutping Cantonese: lin6 zaap6 zyu2 dung6 ling4 ting3 tung4 sik1 dong3 wui4 jing3.

Set a resolution for your child to improve their communication skills by practicing active listening. This means paying attention to what others are saying and responding appropriately, without interrupting or judging. This will help them become better communicators and build stronger relationships.

25. Speak with manners.

Traditional Chinese: 有禮貌地談話。
Simplified Chinese: 有礼貌地谈话。
Pinyin: Yǒu lǐmào de tánhuà.
Cantonese Chinese: 講話要有禮貌。
Jyutping Cantonese: gong2 waa6 jiu3 jau5 lai5 maau6 .

Teach your child the importance of being polite and using good manners when interacting with others. This could include saying “please” and “thank you,” using kind words, and showing respect towards others. It will help them build strong relationships and make a positive impact on those around them.

Financial Responsibility

26. Save a portion of allowance or earnings.

Traditional Chinese: 存下部分零用錢或收入。
Simplified Chinese: 存下部分零用钱或收入。
Pinyin: Cún xià bùfèn língyòngqián huò shōurù.
Cantonese Chinese: 存返部分零用錢或收入。
Jyutping Cantonese: cyun4 faan1 bou6 fan6 ling4 jung6 cin2 waak6 sau1 jap6.

Encourage your child to save money by setting aside a portion of their allowance or earnings. This will teach them the value of money and how to be responsible with it.

27. Donate to charity.

Traditional Chinese: 捐贈給慈善機構。
Simplified Chinese: 捐赠给慈善机构。
Pinyin: Juān zèng gěi cí shàn jī gòu.
Cantonese Chinese: 賑助慈善事業。
Jyutping Cantonese: zan3 zo6 ci4 sin6 si6 jip6.

Encourage your child to give back to the community by regularly donating a portion of their allowance or earnings to a cause or charity they care about. This will teach them about empathy, compassion, and the importance of helping others in need.

28. Learn how to budget and track expenses.

Traditional Chinese: 了解預算及記錄開支。
Simplified Chinese: 了解预算及记录开支。
Pinyin: Liǎojiě yùsuàn jí jìlù kāizhī.
Cantonese Chinese: 學識理財同追蹤開支。
Jyutping Cantonese: hok6 sik1 lei5 coi4 tung4 zeoi1 zung1 hoi1 zi1.

Teach your child the basics of budgeting and tracking expenses using budgeting apps or spreadsheets. This will help them develop good financial habits and make responsible decisions with their money.

29. Explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

Traditional Chinese: 探索創業機會。
Simplified Chinese: 探索创业机会。
Pinyin: Tànsuǒ chuàngyè jīhuì.
Cantonese Chinese: 探索創業機會。
Jyutping Cantonese: taam3 sok3 cong3 jip6 gei1 wui6.

Encourage your child to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, such as running a lemonade stand or pet-sitting for neighbors, to earn extra income. This will help them learn about financial independence and the value of hard work.

Making New Year's Resolutions Together with Kids

Family involvement in goal-setting is crucial for children's success and growth. It makes kids feel supported, valued, and secure. Collaborating on goals as a family promotes communication, teamwork, and learning from parents' experiences. It also helps align efforts towards common objectives, increasing the likelihood of achieving those goals.

Here are some tips and tricks to make goal-setting enjoyable for kids:

Use tools like vision boards, goal charts, or progress trackers to make it visually appealing.
Make a tradition of setting goals at the beginning of the year or school year, celebrating achievements with rewards or family outings. Include a variety of goals – easy and short-term to challenging and long-term – to keep them motivated.
Keep it positive, supportive, and interactive, so that children see goal setting as an exciting journey, not a daunting task.

(Sources: Healthy Children, Around the Kampfire, Woman's Day, Reward Charts 4 Kids, Parents, Verywell Family, Kids Konnect, Netmums)

Free New Year's Resolution Printable

Get a free New Year's resolution printable for your kids. Make it a fun family activity and create lasting memories together. As always, the printable is available in both English & Chinese (Traditional, Simplified, Pinyin, Zhuyin, and Jyutping Cantonese).

Download: Free New Year's Resolution Printable

Last Thing About New Year's Resolutions for Kids

New Year's resolutions for kids can greatly contribute to their personal and social development. At Edkids Home, we have concluded 29 New Year's resolutions for kids, cultivating goal-setting and resolution-making skills from a young age. This inspires creativity, promotes physical health, encourages financial acumen, and fosters a sense of responsibility towards family and the planet. We believe these ideas will nurture well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive difference in the world. Make sure to pin our image above on Pinterest!