Twenty Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Kids

New Year's tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 

Preschoolers

*I will clean up my toys. 
*I will brush my teeth twice a day, wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating, and clean up my messes right away. 
*I won't tease the family dog or even a friendly dog, and I will avoid being 
bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from his mouth. 


School Age Kids

*I will drink milk and water, and limit soda and fruit drinks. 
*I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors, even in winter. I will try to stay 
in the shade whenever possible and 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 
jumping rope, dancing, or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three 
times a week! 
*I will always wear protective gear - especially a helmet - when bicycling. 
*I will wear my seat belt every time I get in 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. 
*I'll be nice to other kids. It's easier and more fun than being mean, and I'll 
feel better about myself. I'll 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 web. 
*Also, I'll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parent's permission. 


Teens

*I will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable every day, and I will limit the 
amount of soda I drink. 
*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 only 
spend one to two hours each day - at the most - on these activities. 
*I will check to see if I can give away any of my unwanted clothes and shoes 
to those in need. I will help out in my community - through volunteering, 
working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in 
need. 
*I will wipe negative "self talk" (i.e. "I can't do it" or "I'm so dumb") out of my 
vocabulary. 
*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 talking out my problem with a parent or friend. 
*When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk with an adult about the 
choices I may have. 
*I will be smart about whom I choose to date - and never allow violence to 
enter into my relationships 
*I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol. 

Source: www.aap.org