Healthy New Years Resolutions for Kids
The new year is often a time for resolutions. This can be anything from
getting healthier, to getting a new job, to forgiving someone you’ve wronged. But
what about kids?
Kids can also make New Years resolutions. It teaches them discipline and
goal setting. It may also help to provide a list of possible goals and resolutions that
they can stick to— and provide incentive for them to achieve each goal.
Examples for healthy New Years resolutions can include:
— Going outside for at least 30 minutes a day
— Cutting down screen time
— Getting in a new fruit or vegetable with each meal
In Tampa, there are lots of places for kids to get out and get healthy in the New
Year. Visit Tampa Bay has lots of suggestions for things the entire family can do
together in the New Year. One example is Adventure Family Motorsports. Families
can come together and ride dirt bikes— which allow for fun time together while
getting outside.
Another nature fueled activity you can do with your kids is the Boyd Nature
Preserve and Education Center in St. Petersburg. If you’re looking for an option
that you can do for free— Tampa has lots of trails for walking and running. You
can also go down to the Riverwalk and enjoy the outdoors there. It’s important to
keep kids active and away from screens as much as possible.
Another great way to get kids improving their health is cooking. There’s lots
of healthy recipes you can make with your kids— or have them make themselves!
Everything from a veggie or fruit salad— to healthy toast and rollups. Weelicious
has over a dozen easy recipes you can make with your kids— and you can help
them get in on the entire process from grocery store to plate.
If your child is a picky eater— there are plenty of ways to incorporate fruits
and veggies into other foods. You can substitute pasta noodles for zucchini or
squash noodles— or blend vegetables into the cheese sauce for Mac and cheese.
You can add fruit or vegetables as a side to nearly any entree. There’s also protein
aside from meat and fish— like beans or other plant proteins— that provide
alternative options. Getting them involved in the cooking process allows them to
know what they’re eating as it’s being made— as well as try new foods they may
not be familiar with. Encourage them to make their plate colorful— with plenty of
good, whole foods to fill them up and keep them away from cakes, cookies, and
other sugary foods. There’s also ways you can sub out the processed snacks in their lunches or snack time for healthier options. Things like nuts, whole grain crackers with
cheese, and other healthy finger foods can allow them to snack healthy without
reaching for chips or candy at snack time.
As an alternative to sugary drinks and juices— opt for things like fruit
infused water. You can even use sparkling water if your kids still want the bubbly
taste. You can infuse the water with things like strawberry, kiwi, or lemon and
cucumber. It gives them the fruity taste of fruit juices— without the added sugar.
If you have a dog— encourage your kids to get out and play with them.
Have your child walk the dog or throw the ball around the yard or dog park. It gets
the dog moving— and teaches your child responsibility at the same time.
If you want to get your kids moving— there are great ways to do that! You
can take them outside and walk with them— or do things like ride bikes and yoga.
It’s important to keep them moving at least 30 minutes a day. If they want to opt
for something a little more impact— swimming is a great option. You can check
out a community pool or a natatorium and get them enjoying the water— while
getting their exercise. Other fun outdoor sports to do with kids include tennis,
soccer, or even kickball! Dance or mat pilates classes are also a great option. You
can find videos online through Youtube or a subscription service like Peloton.
If it’s winter time and it’s chillier outside— still encourage them to get
outside and enjoy the fresh air if only for a minute. Midday to early evening is
when it’s warmest outside— so that’s the best time to get kids outside when the
temperature starts to drop in the winter time. If it’s a cold or wintery day— there
are activities you can do to get the kids moving without going outside. Bowling,
laser tag, and other activities to do with the whole family can get everyone moving
without going outside. You can also teach them to paint, draw, or write. This gets
them off screens and allows them to be creative.
Another great way to get your kids outside and enjoying a new activity— is
by starting a garden outside your home. If you’re in an apartment— you can do
this on your patio or terrace. If you have a yard— you can set up the garden in your
front or backyard. There are all kinds of plants that can be grown from home. This
includes plants that can hang. This can teach them about plants they may not be
familiar with— while allowing them a new activity.
There are lots of ways to get your kids up and moving. Getting them into
healthy habits in the new year is a great way to teach them discipline and healthy
habits they can carry with them into adulthood.
Remember to schedule your regular check up too.
RESOURCES:
www.visittampabay.com
https://weelicious.com/20-easy-recipes-to-make-with-your-kids/
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/easy-recipes-for-kids-to-make-by-themselves/
https://gethealthyu.com/45-fun-and-healthy-activities-to-do-with-your-kids-this-
summer/