The new year is quickly approaching, and in 2011, our family was introduced to “the word of the year,” since then, I’ve encouraged my six kids to choose a word that expresses what they want to achieve in the new year. This year is no different, and I wanted to share how you can turn “the word of the year” into a meaningful and sustainable approach to personal development for your school-age children and even your older teens. The concept of a “word of the year” can offer a refreshing perspective on life and encourage the adoption of a single, guiding word that encapsulates a broader theme for the new year ahead.
I’ll share the benefits of embracing this practice and provide insight into how to introduce this concept to your children and support them on their transformative journey in 2024!
Choosing a Word with Purpose:
Selecting a Word of the Year is a personal and reflective process. Encourage your child to consider their aspirations, values, and growth areas. The chosen word should be a positive and encouraging term that resonates with them deeply. Parents guiding their children through this process must foster open communication and actively listen to their thoughts and feelings.
Examples of impactful words include:
Compassion:
- This word will encourage your child to explore ways to be more compassionate towards friends, family, and themselves.
- Discuss different scenarios where they can practice empathy and understanding in their daily interactions with others and themselves.
Kindness:
- This word emphasizes the importance of kindness, not only when others are watching but as a fundamental part of their character.
- Brainstorm together on random acts of kindness they can perform throughout the year.
Focus:
- Guide your child in setting specific goals for schoolwork, extracurricular activities, or personal interests.
- Help them create a plan to stay focused and organized, breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps.
Implementing the Word of the Year:
Once the Word of the Year is chosen, work with your child to integrate it into their daily life. Here are some helpful tips and steps:
Create a Visual Reminder
- Design a vision board or create visual reminders that incorporate the chosen word.
- Place these visuals in their room or study space to reinforce the significance of the word.
Discuss their Progress Regularly:
- Schedule regular check-ins to discuss how the chosen word influences their actions and decisions.
- Celebrate their successes and problem-solving challenges together.
Model the Word:
- As a parent, lead by example and demonstrate the chosen word in your actions!
- Consider sharing your experiences and challenges when you’ve applied the word in your daily routine. Create a sense of shared growth when providing examples and feedback to your children, and make it age-appropriate.
In conclusion, Words of the Year can be a profound way to connect with your children. In a world dominated by resolutions that often feel overwhelming or restrictive, the concept of a Word of the Year offers more flexibility and a holistic approach to personal development. Empowering your child to choose a word that aligns with their values and aspirations provides a powerful tool for growth and self-discovery. Together, you can embark on a meaningful journey that fosters qualities that extend beyond a single year and contribute to a lifetime of positive habits and character development.
