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New Habits and Hobbies for the New Year

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December 1, 2017

With the new year almost upon us, it’s time to think about resolutions. This year, why not encourage your kids to create some new habits and hobbies? Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas.

Money Matters

Many kids like to save money but it works best when they can see their progress. Get a clear money bank or a couple of mason jars for each child. Decide together how much they should save and to what categories. You could label  jars “save,” “charity,” and “gifts.”  Whether your child earns money from allowance, chores, or babysitting, he or she can contribute a percentage to each jar. This is a great way to teach children the value of saving and giving to others.

Cherish Memories

Memory jars or boxes are fun for all ages. Have your children collect items and souvenirs from places you go. They can be free or inexpensive, with items ranging from movie ticket stubs and theme park tickets to rocks, shells, and pinecones.

Kitchen Fun

Have you child pick a few meal recipes from cookbooks or the internet, then take time every week or so to shop together and prepare a meal of his or her choice. Not only will your  child learn valuable cooking skills, you’ll get special together time—and  additional help in the kitchen.

Green Giving

Recyclebank is a site where you can earn points for watching slideshows and answering questions. It is a fun activity for older kids. As the points add up, you can cash them in for rewards. Since most of the rewards are geared to adults, you can choose one for yourself and give your child the cash equivalent to spend.

Reap Rewards

I love using a mason jar for rewards. Every time your child does a specified task, add an item to the jar. You can use colorful pompoms, marbles, or even a piece of uncooked pasta. When the jar is full, your child gets a reward.

If you are trying to get your kids to try new foods, add a pom pom for each dish they try. If you want them to exercise or read more, add a marble for thirty minutes of reading or exercise. Do you want siblings to stop fighting? Add a pom pom for each day with no arguments. The possibilities are endless. Make sure to keep the jar visible so your child will be motivated to fill it.

What are your family’s New Year’s resolutions?

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