By Stephen Beech via SWNS
Parents‘ top New Year resolution is to be more patient, according to research.
Moms and dads are also planning to spend less time on the phone and adopt healthier family habits.
Many are vowing to hit the reset button on approaches to parenting this New Year.
And tweens and teens are setting goals too – including achievements related to school grades as well as exercise, nutrition and earning money, according to a survey of more than 2,000 moms, dads and their children.
Nearly three in four parents polled report making resolutions or setting personal goals throughout the year, with a quarter hitting the reset button as the clock strikes midnight for the next calendar year.
A smaller number choose to wipe a clean slate at the start of the school year or on a birthday, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital poll.
More than half of moms and dads of youngsters aged 11 to 18 had set personal goals as well.
Poll co-director Sarah Clark said: “Milestone occasions, such as the start of a new calendar or school year, present families with opportunities for self-reflection and motivation to improve an area of physical and emotional health.
“Our poll suggests that parents often focus on areas they’d like to improve in their parenting approach, including being more engaged, focusing on their own and their child’s health, and supporting their child’s connection to the broader community.”
Nearly half of moms and a third of dads said they have made goals to change something about their parenting, with more than three out of four striving to have more patience, and more than half wishing to spend less time on their phone.
Nearly half vowed to provide healthier meals and snacks while more than a third plan to exercise with their child.
Among those who have set parenting goals, around three-quarters feel it has helped make them a better parent while even more believe that it has helped their child learn how to work toward a goal.
Clark said: “Setting goals to improve parenting can help parents define their values and priorities and have positive effects on the health and well-being of the whole family.”
Parents with three or more children in their household were also more likely to set goals about being consistent with discipline and involving their children in spiritual activities, compared to parents with fewer children.
Nearly 70 percent of youngsters’ goals are related to grades and school performance, while just over half want to succeed at an activity.
Around two in five youngsters are focused on exercise, eating habits and nutrition and earning money while more than a third would like to try something new.
But less than a quarter of kids’ goals included friendship or volunteering.
According to parents, 15 to 18-year-olds more often cited goals related to nutrition and exercise while exploring something new was more common among 11- to 14-year-olds.
Clark said: “Goal-setting helps kids learn to be accountable for their actions and develop a growth mindset.
“Parents modeling goal setting can also teach kids the importance of working toward something and learning from mistakes along the way.
“Taking steps to encourage goal-setting is a great way for parents to show their support and confidence in their child.”
She added: “We all know how commonly people set New Year resolutions that fade as the year goes on.
“If families are serious about sticking to resolutions, it’s essential to set specific and realistic targets and schedule time to take necessary steps to reach them.”
