A teen's guide to successful New Year's resolutions | Paternally Speaking

Ezra Helfand
·4 min read

New Year’s resolutions symbolize an opportunity for positive change and personal growth. However, many teens find it challenging to stick to their resolutions due to various factors like distractions, peer pressure and lack of a structured plan.

Here we provide a comprehensive guide for parents and their teens on how to effectively set and maintain their resolutions throughout the year.

Set realistic goals

  • Begin with realistic and achievable resolutions. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and a higher likelihood of giving up.

  • Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the path to success more achievable and less overwhelming.

Prioritize and focus

  • Identify the most important resolutions and prioritize them. Focusing on a few key goals increases the likelihood of success.

  • Avoid spreading yourself too thin by taking on too many resolutions simultaneously.

Create a specific plan

  • Develop a detailed plan outlining the steps required to achieve each resolution.

  • Set specific milestones and deadlines to measure progress. Regularly reassess and adjust the plan as needed.

Build a support system

  • Share your resolutions with friends, family, or a mentor. Having a support system creates accountability and encouragement.

  • Surround yourself with individuals who share similar goals, fostering a positive environment.

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Stay positive and persistent

  • Understand that setbacks are a normal part of any journey. Approach challenges with a positive mindset, viewing them as opportunities to learn and grow.

  • Persevere through tough times and celebrate small victories along the way.

Utilize technology and tools

  • Leverage apps, calendars or reminders to stay organized and on track.

  • Technology can also provide resources and information relevant to your resolutions.

Incorporate healthy habits

  • Ensure resolutions align with overall wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

  • Prioritize self-care routines, including sufficient sleep, regular exercise and healthy eating habits.

Learn from mistakes

  • Reflect on any deviations from the plan and identify the underlying causes.

  • Use setbacks as learning experiences to refine your approach and enhance resilience.

Track progress

  • Regularly assess your progress to stay motivated and identify areas for improvement.

  • Keep a journal or use visual aids to visually represent accomplishments.

Celebrate achievements

  • Acknowledge and celebrate both small and significant achievements.

  • Rewarding yourself for reaching milestones reinforces positive behavior and encourages continued effort.

By following these guidelines, teens can increase their chances of successfully adhering to their New Year’s resolutions.

The key lies in setting realistic goals, staying focused, building a support network, maintaining a positive mindset and adapting to challenges. Remember, resolutions are not just about reaching a destination but also about enjoying the journey of personal growth and development.

Preventing teens from turning to drugs involves a combination of education, communication and creating a supportive environment. Here are some strategies that parents, educators and communities can use:

Open communication

  • Foster an open and non-judgmental environment for communication. Encourage your teens to talk about their feelings, experiences and concerns.

  • Be a good listener. Avoid being overly critical or dismissive. Understanding their perspective can help you address their concerns more effectively.

Educate about the risks

  • Provide accurate information about the risks and consequences of drug use. Ensure that teens understand the impact on physical health, mental wellbeing, academic performance and relationships.

  • Share real-life stories and examples to make the information more relatable.

Build strong relationships

  • Strengthen the bond between parents and teens. A strong parent-child relationship can serve as a protective factor against drug use.

  • Encourage positive relationships with peers who share healthy habits and values.

More: Teens and social media: What's the mental health impact? | Parentally Speaking

Set clear expectations and consequences

  • Clearly communicate your expectations regarding drug use. Establish firm but reasonable rules and consequences for breaking them.

  • Consistently enforce consequences to show that rules are not negotiable.

Teach coping skills

  • Help teens develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety and other challenges. This can include activities like sports, art, music or mindfulness practices.

  • Encourage problem-solving and decision-making skills to empower them to make positive choices.

Monitor and supervise

  • Keep track of your teen’s activities, friends and whereabouts. Knowing their social circles can help you identify potential risks early on.

  • Be aware of changes in behavior, academic performance, or mood, as these can be indicators of underlying issues.

Be a positive role model

  • Demonstrate the behavior you want to see. If teens see adults making responsible choices, they are more likely to follow suit.

  • Avoid using substances irresponsibly and discuss the reasons behind your choices.

Provide alternative activities

  • Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities and hobbies that promote positive development and a sense of accomplishment.

  • Offer alternatives to boredom and peer pressure, making it more likely that they will engage in positive, fulfilling activities.

Stay informed

  • Stay informed about current drug trends, signs of drug use and potential new substances. This knowledge can help you address emerging issues proactively.

Seek professional help

  • If you notice signs of drug use or if your teen is struggling, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A counselor, therapist or addiction specialist can provide support and guidance.

Remember that prevention is an ongoing process, and it requires consistent effort from parents, educators and communities to create an environment that supports healthy choices.

Ezra Helfand is CEO/Executive Director of the Wellspring Center for Prevention (formerly NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc.) You can reach him at ezra.helfand@wellspringprevention.org.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: A teen's guide to successful New Year's resolutions