A Season of Joy, Connection, and Gentle Growth: Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions

As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt holiday wishes to our clients, families, and community partners. This season invites reflection on the strength, growth, and progress achieved together over the past year.

We are continually inspired by the resilience of the individuals and families we support, and by the sense of community that makes meaningful growth possible. Every milestone, big or small, is worth celebrating. As we look ahead to the New Year, we invite families to carry that same spirit of compassion and celebration into the way they think about goals and resolutions.

Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions

As the New Year approaches, conversations about resolutions often focus on big changes: doing more, fixing habits, or striving for a version of ourselves that feels “better” or more put together. While these intentions usually come from a place of hope, they can also create unnecessary pressure, especially for children and families.

At our clinic, we see every day that meaningful growth rarely comes from perfection. Instead, it comes from consistency, curiosity, and celebrating progress- even when that progress feels small. With this in mind, we can reframe how we think about New Year’s resolutions. 

Growth Happens in Small Moments

For many children and families, progress doesn’t look like a dramatic overnight change. More often, it looks like:

• A child trying a new activity, even if only for a short while
• A smoother transition (that may still need support) but feel a little less difficult
• A caregiver pausing to take a breath before responding emotionally
• A family noticing what worked instead of focusing on what didn’t

These moments might not make it onto a traditional resolution list, but they are powerful milestones. When we slow down enough to notice them, we help children build confidence and help families feel encouraged rather than discouraged.

Resolutions Can Be About Adding, Not Taking Away

Instead of resolutions that focus on removing behaviours or eliminating struggles, consider resolutions that add support, joy, and flexibility. Adding creates space for growth without shame.

Some gentle examples might include:

• Adding one extra check-in at the end of the day: “What went okay today?”
• Adding a playful routine to make mornings or bedtime feel less rushed
• Adding celebration for effort,  not just outcomes

When families add tools and connection, change often follows naturally.

Silly Goals Are Still Real Goals

Not all resolutions need to be serious. In fact, playful goals can be some of the most effective, especially for children.

A few fun, low-pressure resolution ideas:

• Laughing at least once a day (bonus points if it’s at something a little ridiculous)
• Trying one new sensory activity each month
• Seeing how many types of fruit you can try in a year

Play builds motivation, connection, and resilience- skills that last far longer than perfectly completed goals.

Letting Go of Perfection

Progress is not linear. There will be days when things feel harder again, and that doesn’t mean growth has stopped. It simply means learning is still happening.

This New Year, we encourage families to set resolutions that feel supportive rather than stressful. Goals that allow for flexibility. Goals that leave room for rest. Goals that recognize how far you’ve already come.

When we shift our focus from “doing better” to “noticing growth,” we help children and families build confidence, self-compassion, and long-term success.

As we move into the New Year together, let’s celebrate progress in all its forms: big steps, small steps, trying again tomorrow, and even the brave step of trying for the first time (even if it may not go how planned). We look forward to continuing our work together, supporting families’ growth, independence, and confidence every step of the way.

A Gentle Reflection for the New Year

As you think about the year ahead, consider taking a moment to reflect together:

• What is one small win from this past year that deserves to be celebrated?
• What is something you could add this year to support connection, calm, or joy?
• What is one goal that feels kind, flexible, and achievable — even on hard days?

There is no “right” way to grow. Small steps count. Effort matters. And every family’s journey looks different.

We wish our clients a joyful holiday filled with support, connection, and peace. If you’re ready, you’re welcome to book your first session of the New Year and take the next step toward your well-being.

What will some of your resolutions for 2026 be? Be sure to let us know on our social media channels! 

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