Disclaimer: Devoted Grandma is reader-supported. If you purchase anything through my site, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thank you.
Ah, New Year’s resolutions—a time-honored tradition of dreaming big and striving for a better version of ourselves. It’s a chance to turn the page and set new goals, but for children, these aspirations can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming or unrealistic. That’s where we, as grandmothers, can step in to gently guide our grandkids toward resolutions that are meaningful, achievable, and fun to pursue.
Having been around the block a time or two, we know the importance of setting realistic goals and the joy of seeing them through. Here are some thoughtful ways we can help our grandchildren navigate this exciting tradition while teaching them the value of perseverance and self-reflection.
1. Start with a Cozy Chat
Every good plan begins with a heart-to-heart. Create a warm and inviting atmosphere to get the conversation started. Whether it’s over a mug of hot cocoa or while baking cookies together, take the time to ask your grandchild about their hopes and dreams for the coming year.
Some gentle, open-ended questions to spark their imagination could include:
- What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn or try?
- What’s one thing you did last year that made you really proud?
- Is there something you’d like to get better at this year?
These questions not only get them thinking but also show that you care deeply about their thoughts and aspirations.
2. Reflect on Last Year Together
A bit of reflection can provide valuable insight. Encourage your grandchild to think about the highlights of the past year. What did they enjoy most? What challenges did they overcome? Reflecting on their experiences helps them identify what’s important to them and gives them a sense of accomplishment before they even start setting new goals.
You might even share your own reflections on the year—children love hearing stories about what Grandma has been up to. This not only helps build a deeper connection but also models the reflective process for them.
3. Encourage the “Little Steps, Big Wins” Approach
Children often dream big, which is wonderful, but sometimes their goals can feel overwhelming. If your grandchild declares they want to “be the best soccer player ever” or “become a famous YouTuber,” help them break it down into smaller, actionable steps.
For example:
- Instead of “become the best soccer player,” suggest practicing a specific skill like dribbling for 15 minutes a day.
- Instead of “be a famous YouTuber,” encourage them to create one fun video a month and share it with friends or family.
Breaking large goals into manageable pieces makes them feel achievable and teaches the important lesson of progress over perfection.
4. Make It Fun, Not a Chore
Resolutions should feel like an exciting adventure, not another to-do list. If your grandchild’s goals involve learning something new or developing a skill, find ways to make it engaging. For instance:
- If they want to improve at math, you could introduce fun math games or puzzles.
- If they’re interested in gardening, you might plan a trip to pick out seeds together and spend time planting them side by side.
The key is to infuse joy and creativity into the process so they stay motivated and excited to work toward their goals.
5. Help Them Focus on a Few Goals
Kids can sometimes get carried away with excitement and list a dozen resolutions. While enthusiasm is wonderful, having too many goals can lead to feeling overwhelmed or losing focus. Encourage your grandchild to narrow their list to one or two meaningful goals that truly resonate with them.
Explain that it’s better to give their full energy to a few priorities than to spread themselves too thin. You can even share your own experiences of focusing on one goal at a time to help illustrate the point.
6. Lead by Example
Children learn so much by observing the adults in their lives. Why not make this resolution-setting process a shared activity? Share your own resolutions with your grandchild and discuss why you’ve chosen them.
For example, if you’ve decided to walk more for better health or to learn a new hobby like knitting, let them see your excitement and commitment. You could even set a shared goal, like walking together once a week or trying a new recipe every month.
This approach not only inspires them but also reinforces the idea that resolutions are for everyone, at every stage of life.
7. Introduce the Magic of a Journal
A journal can be a powerful tool for staying motivated and tracking progress. Encourage your grandchild to start a resolution journal where they can jot down their goals, milestones, and feelings about their progress.
You might also consider creating a joint journal, where both of you write updates about your resolutions and encourage one another. Imagine looking back on this journal years from now—a beautiful keepsake of shared memories and growth.
8. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
One of the most important lessons we can teach our grandchildren is that resolutions aren’t about being perfect—they’re about making progress. If they miss a day or stumble along the way, remind them it’s okay. What matters is that they keep trying.
Share a story from your own life about a time when things didn’t go as planned but you persevered. Hearing about your experiences can help them feel less discouraged and more inspired to keep going.
9. Be Their Cheerleader
Your grandchild needs someone in their corner cheering them on, and who better than Grandma? Celebrate their small wins with enthusiasm, whether it’s mastering a new skill, reaching a milestone, or simply sticking to their goal for a week.
A handwritten note, a big hug, or even a simple, “I’m so proud of you!” can mean the world to them. Your encouragement helps build their confidence and reinforces their belief that they can achieve their goals.
10. Focus on Positive Framing
Rather than framing resolutions around what they should stop doing, help your grandchild focus on positive, empowering goals. For instance:
- Instead of “stop playing video games so much,” suggest “spend more time outside with friends.”
- Instead of “stop eating junk food,” encourage “try a new healthy snack every week.”
This shift in perspective makes resolutions feel uplifting and motivating rather than restrictive.
11. Turn It Into a Family Tradition
Why not make setting New Year’s resolutions a beloved annual tradition? Gather the family for a special day of brainstorming, sharing, and planning goals. You could make it even more memorable with activities like:
- Writing resolutions on paper snowflakes or ornaments.
- Baking a “resolution cake” and decorating it with words of encouragement.
Creating a ritual around this practice gives your grandchild something to look forward to each year and strengthens family bonds.
12. Teach Resilience Through Adjustments
Sometimes goals need tweaking, and that’s perfectly okay. Teach your grandchild that it’s fine to revise resolutions as needed. Life is full of unexpected changes, and flexibility is a valuable skill.
If a goal isn’t working out, sit down together and brainstorm how to adjust it so it feels more attainable. This teaches them the importance of adaptability and perseverance.
A Grandmother’s Secret Ingredient
At the heart of helping your grandchild set New Year’s resolutions is love. By guiding them through this process with patience, encouragement, and a sprinkle of fun, you’re not just helping them set goals—you’re teaching them how to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.
This year, let’s resolve to be their biggest supporters, their gentle guides, and their most enthusiastic cheerleaders. And who knows? Along the way, we might just achieve a resolution or two of our own. Now, that’s what I call starting the year off right!
