.png)
Over the past several years, a new trend has surfaced. Instead of choosing a New Year's resolution, many people are choosing a word that fits and will help them in the new year.
This year, my word is going to be focus. I will work on being focused in several areas of my life: personal time with the Lord, finances, homemaking, homeschooling, parenting, fitness etc. This is a great thing we can do with our kids as well!
As the new year is approaching, sit down with your children and talk about goals. Goals are a great thing for our kids to have. In our family, we have a date night with each child between Christmas and New Year where we talk about the previous year with our child. We talk about the highs and the lows. From the lows, we talk about how we can focus on making this year's low a high for next year! We always sit down with our child with scripture to have them think about how they will work through things that are struggles for them.
From there, we talk about what their one word might be. Then, we help them find a scripture to attach to this word – and they will work on memorizing the verse throughout the year.
As the year progresses, we will have other dates with our kids. They won't be focused on the one word, but we will use time over a meal or a special treat to talk about how they are doing with their plan to grow: as an individual, in our family, and closer to Christ.
Here are some great words that your children could use for this coming year:
- Obedient
- Diligent
- Respectful
- Kindness
- Faithful
- Peaceful
You might have to help them come up with the word. I would usually have my children define it. I also have had them make a small vision board to hang in their room as a visual reminder of the word. They would put the verse on it, as well as other pictures, ideas, or words that will help them to grow in this area of their life.
It is our job to train up our children in the way they should go. Use the New Year as a time of reflection and as a time to help them focus on character and spiritual development.
