As you know, I consider teaching my kids compassion and kindness one of my most important parenting responsibilities. The start of the New Year provides the perfect opportunity to begin a conversation about new ways we can show kindness towards others.
I decided to focus our New Year's Resolution conversation on ways we can be kind to other family members.
Family Kindness Resolutions for the New Year
After school the kids and I started out by having a conversation about what things other family members did for us this year that we enjoyed. This was a fun way to remember the good times we had together. I asked the boys what each person did for them that they really appreciated. There was clearly a theme of spending quality time with each other! (Just a little reminder to us parents about what kids really want.)
Then we talked about how we can use those examples to make resolutions to reciprocate that kindness. We went down the list, covering each grandparent, parent and sibling, choosing something we wanted to do for that other person.
We decorated index cards and wrote down our resolutions. I had to keep the decorating simple since it's not always easy to motivate my kids to do arts and crafts. New Kid got frustrated with the writing part quickly (he's only 5) but Kiddo really got into creating his resolutions. It's wonderful to see his empathy develop. I also love how my 8 year old wrote "N.Y.R." on each of his cards!
Finally we collected all the cards together and turned it into a book (see top photo) to refer to throughout the year. I'm looking forward to 2014: the Year of Kindness!
More ways to grow kind kids and teach family kindness:Â
- Thoughtful Children's Books about Kindness
- Children's Books for a Happy New Year's Day
- A "Tip Jar" to Help Siblings Get Along
- Family Harmony Tokens
- The Giant Hug: A Family Valentine
katepickle says
What a fabulous idea! And you are right... that quote really says it all!
Melissa @ Mama Miss says
Love this idea - & the idea of the book & looking at it throughout the year!! Definitely adding it to our list of things to do 🙂
Carolyn says
Focusing on kindness towards family members is such a wonderful idea for a New Year's resolution! This book is now on our list for this year!
Carla says
What a wonderful New Years Resolution...for kids and adults!!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks Carla, I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out over the year.
Jennifer Fischer says
Love this idea. Fabulous!
Megan Sheakoski says
I ADORE this idea!!!!! Adore! Adore Adore!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Megan. Your awn acts of kindness are such an inspiration!
teachingyoungchildren says
That is a really nice idea - and your kids did great with their resolutions. I hope you will all have a year full of kindness towards each other!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks! Me, too!
Asia Citro says
What a sweet way to start the new year off right! Love it and that is a great quote from the video!
belindambrock says
Thanks for sharing this--it's an important topic!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks Belinda, I think so, too. It can get lost amidst all the hustle of the season. I liked taking the quiet time to sit down and chat with the kids.
Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs.com says
Those are some great ideas! It is important to remember family.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I think so too - after all, they are the ones who have the most influence on us!
Lauren says
I love this! I think we will be doing this as well. What a wonderful resolution book.
Ana says
Great idea Erica! It's really thoughtful and engaging.
Emma @ P is for Preschooler says
"The Year of Kindness" - I like the sound of that! I love how the kids got involved in making resolutions 🙂
writersideup says
I love the meaningful projects you come up with, Erica 🙂 And this video is great! 😀
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thank you!
No Twiddle Twaddle (@Bethanyntt) says
I love this idea, Erica! What a great post!
Ann Treacy says
This is a really nice idea. I love that it becomes a book. I might try this for our simple celebration tomorrow night!
Meredith @ Homegrown Friends says
Love this idea so much! Can't wait to implement it in our home. Sharing on FB tomorrow morning.
Karen says
Hi... my daughter and I are working on this project right now and not only is it a great activity to bring the family together, but it's great bonding time with my kids. We really enjoy decorating the cards and thinking of ways to be kind to one another as a family. Wonderful idea!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I'm so glad to hear it! Thanks for sharing, Karen.