With the New Year quickly approaching, it’s a great time for your kids to develop some healthy resolutions for 2011, regardless of whether they’re in pre-school or high school, according to the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS).
Those in pre-school can “promise” to brush their teeth at least twice a day, clean up their toys, and avoid teasing dogs, even friendly ones.
Children in the five to 12-year old range can resolve to limit sodas and fruit drinks and choose milk and water instead. They can find an activity or sport they enjoy and try to do it at least three times a week. Remembering to wear a bicycle helmet and fasten their seat belts every time is also important.
Teens can be encouraged to eat well, get enough physical activity and learn how to constructively deal with stress through outlets such as exercise, journaling or discussing the problem with a parent or teacher. They can resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol and seek out a trusted adult for help when their friends engage in risky behaviors. They can be careful about whom they choose to date and treat the other person with respect, and without coercion or violence.
Kids also need to know that they can speak to their parents or another trusted adult if there are issues that are troubling them. For tips about success in school, visit the CAPS site.
