It’s January 2, and resolutions are all the talk. But on January 3, 4, 5… and for the rest of the year, it’s a challenge to remember our resolutions, no less to build upon them. While at family camp over winter break, my 8-year-old daughter compiled a list of her own resolutions, together with the resolutions of other children. The kids truly say it best. So I am sharing their unedited list (which conveniently she created on my iPhone), in the words of our children, to help remind us throughout the year:

• Be patient.
• Play more sports.
• Keep my hair unknotty.
• Get along with my brothers and sisters better.
• Try to control my anger.
• Watch TV less often.
• Stand up for others.
• Be more healthy.
• Do not litter.
• Be more polite.
• Make more friends.
• Take a risk.
• Don’t be afraid.
• Clean up.
• Be nice to bullies.
• Tell the truth.
• Hang out with everyone, not just your best friend.
• Feel free to ask for what you want.
• Don’t always ask someone in your class, try to do it yourself.
• Don’t be exclusive.
• Be reasonable.
• Be helpful.
• Be challenged.

I resolve to post this list, and to learn something every day from children. Wishing all a productive and happy 2014!

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(c) 2013, www.littleblueprint.com, illustration by Jessica Churchill

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Click to read my article about 23 children’s resolutions worth posting on the refrigerator on Huffington Post.