We are just days away from the New Year! It’s the time for setting personal goals for 2023. But New Year’s Resolutions aren’t just for adults. Kids can set goals, too. In this post, your pediatric dentist in Overland Park offers some great ideas to help your kids choose their resolutions.
At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt and his team are committed to every aspect of your child’s wellness. Of course, dental health is our top priority. But we understand that oral, physical, mental, and emotional wellness are all interrelated. Through quality care, compassionate communication, and thorough education, we want to help your family enjoy the best year yet.
Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
How to Help Kids Set New Year’s Resolutions
Unfortunately, many New Year’s resolutions are self-deprecating. For instance, a whopping 40% of people who set resolutions say that they want to lose weight in 2023. But setting these types of goals can be harmful for kids, making them feel insecure about their bodies. Instead, help kids focus on positive changes that will make them feel good.
Second, help your kids set actionable goals. Instead of saying, “I will become the best soccer player on the team,” resolve to practice shooting drills three times a week outside of team practice. Or instead of saying, “I will get better grades,” say “I will do my homework first thing after I come home and before I play any video games.”
Exercise Resolutions
“Exercising more” is the top resolution, set by 52% of global survey respondents. Kids can resolve to get moving, though, again, it is best to focus on how good exercise will make them feel. Although goals will vary by age, some ideas for exercise-related goals include:
- I will only watch one hour of TV a day.
- We will go for a family walk after dinner three days a week.
- I will learn how to play a new sport or activity.
Healthy Eating Resolutions
Healthy eating comes second to exercise in the list of 2023 resolutions. But as with all goals, it is important to be specific about what you want to do. For instance, depending on age, your child might resolve:
- I will eat vegetables when they are served to me.
- When I see new foods, I will give them a try before deciding whether or not I like them.
- I will drink no more than two sodas a week.
Dental Care Resolutions
Of course, your dentist in Overland Park couldn’t resist adding in a few oral health-related ideas. Fortunately, these are small changes that could have big effects on your kids’ dental health, not only in 2023 but for the rest of their lives!
- I will brush my teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once.
- I will drink water (or milk, for younger kiddos) with all my meals.
- I will visit the dentist twice this year.
- I will wear my retainer when I am supposed to.
Enter 2023 with Your Dentist in Overland Park
We can’t wait to help you make 2023 a year to remember! Contact your dentist in Overland Park to schedule your first appointment of the new year.
Reach us online or call us at (913) 685-9990.