The changing of the calendar year is always a time that brings contemplation, goal setting, and reflection. Where have we missed steps over the past year, and how can we keep climbing? It can be easy to fall back on “common” New Years Resolutions that revolve around looks, money, or success. However, we want to challenge you to inspire real change in your girls.
New Years resolutions based on real change will leave you and your daughters with a more positive mindset, plenty of opportunities for growth, and something that you can talk about at the end of every day. So, here are three New Years resolutions to encourage your daughter to think about as we go into the New Year!
- Speak up and speak out.The confidence that girls have takes a serious dive between the ages of 8 to 14. While we know that this is something that many girls will spend years working on, we still think that daring yourself to stand tall and proud is worth a shot! Give your daughter the resolution of speaking her mind more often. Whether she is answering more questions in class, standing up to bullies, or just telling you what she really thinks, any step is a step in the right direction!
- Show your bravery.Ask your daughter to think of something that scares her. It might be intimidating classmates at school, a teacher that makes her feel less than special, or a sports coach that never gives her a fair shot. Let her spend the year thinking of how she can best face her fears and be brave. It is important not to rush it, but rather inspire her to really dig deep into why her bravery matters! Because let’s be honest: bravery takes time. Even if it takes 364 days, she will know that you’re on her side.
- Spread inclusivity. Feeling left out can happen from time to time. It’s an unfortunate part of growing up! Fortunately, there is one thing that we can do to prevent other girls from feeling hurt. So, let’s try to get our girls to be the one who doesn’t allow other girls to be left out! Remind her that it’s okay to have best friends, but it’s never okay to let somebody stay stuck on the sidelines when there is plenty of love and friendship to go around. Her inclusive resolution should incorporate putting an end to cliques and being more willing to make new friends.
Avina Celeste once said that we should “Enter this new year with a gratitude for this new chance to create your dreams.” Being kind, confident, and brave is one of the best ways to create a life filled with joy!