A new year feels like a fresh page, which makes it the perfect time for coloring. Kids can look back, look forward and celebrate.
Goal pages
Kids color a character and write one or two goals beside it:
- "I want to learn to ride a bike"
- "I want to read a chapter book"
- "I want to be a good friend"
A monster from Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Monsters can be a "goal buddy" cheering them on.
Wish jar
Color small pictures of wishes, fold them and put them in a jar. Open it next New Year.
Year-in-review keepsake
- Color a picture of the best thing that happened this year
- Write the date, age and a favorite memory
- Save it with past years’ pages
New Year’s Eve countdown
Kids often can’t stay up until midnight. A countdown helps:
- Color one page each hour from dinner to bedtime
- Open a "noon countdown" for an early celebration
- Color party hats and noisemakers on people from Trace Then Color: Cartoon People
Start a coloring routine
The New Year is a good time to start a calm habit: 10 to 15 minutes of coloring after school or before bed. See coloring before bed.
Keep goals small and fun. One goal a child can picture is better than five big ones.
Questions parents ask
How can young kids set goals?
Keep it to one simple, positive goal. Coloring a picture of it helps.
What can kids do on New Year’s Eve?
Countdown coloring, party crafts and an early celebration work well.
Is a coloring routine worth starting?
Short daily coloring builds focus and calm, and it’s easy to keep up.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
