New Year’s Goal-Setting Tips for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults
As we enter the new year, we embrace the opportunity for a fresh start, and with that come new goals, new adventures, and new lessons to learn! While it’s exciting to see what the year brings, now is also the perfect time to introduce goal-setting to create intention for the year—especially for kids, teens, and young adults.
Learning how to set and achieve goals is a life skill that fosters confidence, responsibility, and personal growth. So here are some age-appropriate ways to help you and your family set meaningful New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year.
Goal-Setting Tips for Kids: Keep It Simple and Fun
New Year’s resolutions for children should be fun and engaging! Whether you are having them write their goals on their own or working on the activity together, keep the goal-setting straightforward. Here are some ways to make working on New Year’s resolutions fun for children aged 6-12:
Start Small: Encourage kids to focus on one or two achievable goals, such as reading a specific number of books or learning a new skill like tying their shoes.
Make It Visual: Use charts, stickers, or drawings to not only represent their New Year’s goals but also to track progress. A visual representation can make setting goals and sticking to them exciting!
Focus on Interests: While teaching kids about setting goals, it’s important to encourage your kid to align the goal to their interests - whether it’s improving in a sport, learning an instrument, or exploring a new hobby.
Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge milestones with small rewards or celebrations throughout the year to reinforce positive behavior.
Goal-Setting Tips for Teens: Encourage Responsibility and Growth
Teenagers are ready for more structured and challenging goal-setting. While their New Year’s resolutions should also be fun and engaging, it is also important that they begin to use their goals to grow into their new roles and responsibilities. Your teens probably need less help setting New Year’s resolutions than the younger kids, but here are a few ways you can guide them:
Use SMART Goals: Teach teens to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. For example, "I will save $200 by the end of summer by babysitting twice a week."
Encourage Reflection: Help them identify areas they want to improve, such as academics, fitness, or personal habits.
Incorporate Long-Term Planning: Introduce the idea of setting both short-term and long-term goals to build perseverance and vision.
Provide Support: You’re there to offer guidance and support, but let them take ownership of their goals. This way they will be invested in the progress!
Goal-Setting Tips for Young Adults: Focus on Independence and Future Planning
Much like teens, young adults are likely not going to be looking for much help in writing their New Year’s resolutions but they may want to share with you to get suggestions or improvements, maybe even some validation. As a young adult, they will benefit from goal-setting strategies that align with their increasing independence and responsibilities. Consider these tips when helping your young adult write their 2025 goals:
Set Career or Education Goals: Encourage young adults to identify steps toward their career aspirations, such as completing a certification, applying for internships, or mastering a new skill.
Promote Financial Literacy: Help them set financial goals, like saving for a car, building an emergency fund, or creating a budget.
Balance Personal and Professional Growth: Remind them to include goals for mental health, relationships, and self-care.
Utilize Different Tools: Suggest apps or planners to track progress and stay organized.
General Goal-Setting Tips for All Ages
Model Goal-Setting: Share your own goals and the steps you’re taking to achieve them.
Encourage Flexibility: Teach that it’s okay to adjust goals as circumstances change. New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be set in stone; they are just there to provide a framework and help guide you through your year.
Build a Supportive Environment: Provide encouragement and resources to help them stay motivated.
Celebrate Achievements: Recognize accomplishments, no matter how small, to build confidence and momentum.
Goal-setting is a powerful tool that helps kids, teens, and young adults develop essential life skills. By tailoring the approach for their age group and developmental stage, you can empower them to achieve success and grow into confident, self-driven individuals. Before you get back into the full swing of things, find time to work with your kids on their New Year’s goals to help set up a productive and fulfilling year ahead!
Need Help Planning and Tracking Progress? Try our 2025 Goals Template