Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Kids

Kick off 2012 by being healthy and safe with the following New Year's tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). All are good things to think about and talk about with your children.

For Preschoolers

• I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong.
• I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
• I won’t tease dogs or other pets--even friendly ones. I also won't run up to animals too quickly, or go near them when they are eating, or corner them in tight spaces. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

Kids, 5 to 12 years old

• Every day, I will drink reduced-fat milk (fat-free even better!) and water, and I'll drink soda and fruit drinks only on special occasions.
• On bright, sunny days, I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors. On days like this, I will also try to stay in the shade whenever possible and will wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.]
• I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing, or riding my bike) that I like and will do it at least 3 times a week.
• I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.
• I will wear my seat belt every time I get into a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt (57 inches!).
• I’ll be nice to other kids and be friendly to kids who need friends--like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.
• I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name, or telephone number on the Internet. Also, unless I first have my parent’s permission, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer.

Kids, 13 Years and Up

• I will try to eat 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables every day, and I will drink sodas only on special occasions.
• I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition.
• I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend--at most--only 1 to 2 hours each day on these activities.
• I will help out in my community--by volunteering, working with community groups, or joining a group that helps people in need.
• When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal, or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.
• When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust.
• When I notice my friends are struggling or are engaging in risky behaviors, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.
• I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence. I will expect the same good behaviors in return.
• I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.
• I agree not to talk on a cell phone or text message while driving, and to always use a seat belt.