Preparing for the New Year: Fun Goal-Setting Activities for Young Kids
(Written by Emily Thomas)
The New Year is such a magical time for fresh starts and exciting possibilities, isn’t it? It’s the perfect opportunity to involve young children in reflecting on the past year and dreaming about what’s ahead. Sure, goal-setting might sound like something for older kids or grown-ups, but with a little creativity, even toddlers can get in on the fun! By introducing them to reflection and goal-setting early, you’re giving them tools to build self-awareness and confidence that can last a lifetime. Let’s dive into some simple and fun ways to make this meaningful for your family.
Create a New Year Wish Jar
Let’s start with something simple and fun—a New Year Wish Jar! Grab a jar, some paper, crayons, and maybe a few stickers for decorating. Let your kids go wild personalizing their jar. Then, ask them to think about what they’d like to try, learn, or experience in the new year. For younger ones, this might mean drawing pictures of their wishes, while older kids can write theirs down. They might say, “I want to learn to ride a bike” or “I want to visit the zoo.” Pop those wishes into the jar, and revisit them throughout the year to celebrate progress or adjust goals. It’s such a sweet way to keep their dreams alive.
Make a Memory Collage
Kids love looking back on their favorite moments, so why not create a memory collage? Gather photos, magazines, glue, scissors, and a big poster board. Together, you can choose pictures that remind them of the best parts of the year. Did they have fun at the beach? Win a little league game? Add it to the collage! It’s a great chance to chat about their favorite experiences and use those as inspiration for the new year. For example, if they loved swimming, maybe their goal could be learning a new stroke or joining a swim class.
Family Goal Tree
Here’s an activity everyone can enjoy: a Family Goal Tree! Cut out a big tree trunk from paper and make leaf shapes for each family member. Write or draw individual goals on the leaves and stick them on the tree. This is a wonderful way to showcase everyone’s aspirations while celebrating family unity. As the year progresses and goals are achieved, you can swap out the leaves for new ones, keeping the tree alive and growing.
New Year’s Reflection Questions
Sometimes, all you need is a cozy spot and a few good questions. Gather the family and ask reflective questions like:
What was your favorite thing about this past year?
What’s something new you tried this year?
What’s one thing you’d like to get better at next year?
Kids’ answers can be surprisingly insightful—and often hilarious! Write them down as keepsakes, and you’ll have a treasure trove of memories to look back on.
Celebrate Small Wins
Big goals can feel overwhelming for young kids, so why not focus on small steps? Create a reward system for progress throughout the coming year, like giving stickers or small treats. For instance, if your child wants to learn to tie their shoes, they get a sticker each time they practice. It’s amazing how these little celebrations can keep them motivated and excited.
Inspire Goal-Setting with Martin and Sylvia’s “Map of the Year”
Looking for a creative way to help your kids reflect on the past year and dream about the next? Take a cue from Martin and Sylvia in Sparkle Stories! In the episode “Map of the Year,” the siblings work together to create a colorful, imaginative map that highlights their favorite memories and sets intentions for the year ahead. Inspired by this idea, you can make your own family “Map of the Year,” combining drawings, photos, and simple goals to capture your family’s journey. It’s a fun, hands-on way to celebrate milestones, embrace creativity, and set a course for new adventures all while strengthening family bonds.
Plan a “Goal Adventure”
Turn your kids’ goals into real-life adventures. If they want to learn about animals, plan a trip to the zoo. If they want to get more active, schedule family hikes or park days. Making goals tangible like this helps kids see the connection between dreaming and doing—and it’s tons of fun!
Goal-setting with young children doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about planting those little seeds of curiosity, effort, and determination while spending quality time together. By weaving reflection and goal-setting into your New Year’s traditions, you’re creating lifelong habits and beautiful memories. As the year goes on, don’t forget to revisit those goals, celebrate the wins (big and small), and enjoy the journey. Here’s to a year full of growth, joy, and connection for your family!