As 2022 comes to an end, you may be starting to think about your resolutions for the next year. It’s a tradition that many adults partake in around this time of year, although it can really be done any time! One category of resolutions that can do wonders for your mental health, gratitude and sense of accomplishment is volunteering or donating – and a great cause to consider is animal rescue/welfare.
One of the best ways to ensure that you follow through on your resolutions is to get the whole family involved in order to create an accountability system. It is also a great way to begin healthy habits in children and instill values in them that will last a lifetime! This year, we encourage you to sit down with your children and create resolutions to help animals together.
The Process
Sit down with your child(ren) and make sure that you each have a piece of paper and a writing utensil. If your child is too young to write their own list, have a separate piece of paper and write their resolutions for them! Begin the conversation by reflecting on this year. What have you accomplished? What have they accomplished? What do the both of you hope to continue doing for the next calendar year? How do these things align with your values and interests? Be sure to talk about how you have helped animals this year, or if you haven’t, discuss why you would like to start!
Determine what kind of animals in your community need your help. This could be local rescues/shelters, community cats or stray dogs, or even wildlife in need. Decide which cause resonates with you the most and start brainstorming ideas to help. (Here at Pawtectors, we aim to help animals nation-wide! If you need somewhere to get started, the Pawtectors Program is a great place to begin.)
Choose ideas from your list and begin turning them into goals or resolutions! Serve as a role model for your child(ren) this year by following through on the resolutions you have set and helping keep them accountable with theirs.
If you are looking to make a resolution to provide the best life for your pet(s) as a family in 2023, check out our 2023 Family Pledge at the bottom of this page! Unscramble the words to complete the resolutions, and then sign the document as a family and hang it somewhere that it can be easily referred to (the fridge, command center, etc.). Provide a good example for the family by following through on these resolutions and showing them how it’s done!
We have provided some examples below for resolutions appropriate for all age groups.
Resolution Ideas
Preschoolers (3-4 years old)
- I will be kind to all animals.
- I will ask the owners before petting or feeding their animals.
- I will remind others to be kind to animals.
Children (5-12 years old)
I will work on my Pawtectors Program every week to learn more about animals and how to help them.
- I will create a Pennies4Pawtectors Program at my school (or my parents job, a local restaurant, etc.) to raise money for animals in need.
- I will write letters to local businesses asking them to donate to animal rescue or Pawtectors #YouAreNotFurgotten fund.
- I will use my voice to help animals that need it and remind others to be kind to them.
- I will create bird/squirrel feeders, community cat houses/feeders, toys for local homeless animals, etc. monthly with the help of a parent or guardian.
For Parents
- I will donate monthly to an animal rescue or welfare cause (such as Pawtectors #YouAreNotFurgotten Fund)
- I will volunteer once a week at my local rescue or shelter.
- I will collect donations monthly/quarterly for animal rescues or shelters depending on their needs.
- I will foster a pet in need.
- I will volunteer to take photos or videos for my local animal shelter.
- I will enroll my child in the Pawtectors Program and work with them on the curriculum in order to ensure that they know how to be kind and compassionate to animals.
Resolutions to Do Together
- We will work together to complete the Pawtectors Curriculum weekly.
- We will volunteer to collect donations for the local animal rescue or shelter each month.
- We will create a Pennies4Pawtectors Program in our local community and reach out to businesses and schools that may be interested in participating by displaying a jar.
- We will foster animals as a family and help them to find homes.
- We will create squirrel/bird feeders, community cat houses/feeders, or toys/materials for homeless animals weekly, monthly, etc.
- We will read a book about kindness to animals each week or month.
These resolutions are a great place to start if you are looking to incorporate kindness to animals or volunteering with animals that need help in your 2023 resolutions! Share your resolution list with us on Instagram by tagging us @pawtectorsprogram and using #PawSquad, or tag us on Facebook @pawtectorsprogram
We can’t wait to follow along and see how your family helps animals in need next year!
2023 Family Pledge:
Download the PDF here:
