New Year’s Resolution Ideas For Your Family 

 

 

Can you believe it’s already 2018?! It’s a new year, so it means it’s a new you! While parents have a few personal resolutions they’d like to execute throughout the year, it could be fun to make a few family resolutions as well. Not sure how or what kinds of things to resolve? Read on to gain some ideas so you can start leading new and improved lives.

Types of Family Resolutions:

Exercise More

Most parents vow to exercise more so they can feel better and lead a healthier lifestyle. A healthy life can equate to a longer, higher quality life. So, while you’re busy pumping iron or hitting the pavement, get the kids involved. Set up circuits around your house and rotate exercises as a family. Sign up for a family fitness plan with your local YMCA. You could also make it a point to take a daily walk, together!

Sit and Eat Together

Families lead busy lifestyles. Some parents work late, some kids are involved in after school activities, and some parents are involved in clubs or groups in the evening. This can really cramp your style when it comes to cooking and sitting down as a family; enjoying the meal together. Make it a point to find just one shared night to enjoy a meal. It will promote a family cohesiveness and will open up the lines of communication.

Screen Free Nights

Try leading by example and designate one weeknight a week a ‘Screen Free’ night. This means no cell phones, laptops, I-pads or TV for the entire night. Plan a sit down family dinner and have your kids pick out a board game for the family to play. If it’s a nice night go do a fun activity like walking to a nearby park or taking the family dog for a walk. Or, if it’s a chilly night, plan a fun baking activity for the family!

Save More Money

Many adults vow to be better savers in the new year. Why not teach your kids at an early age, just how important it is to save their pennies for a rainy day? Post a job board around your home and allow your kids to choose a job off the board, which has a designated “pay rate.” For example, if they take out the trash, they could earn $0.50. If they help feed your dogs, they could earn $2.00. When your kids earn money, guide them through the spending and saving process. Set a monthly goal as to how much they’d like to earn, but also teach them how to budget for items they want. Once they have enough cash stashed, take a fun family excursion to the store and allow them to spend their hard earned money.

Date Night

Going out of the house-without the kids?! Yes- you heard that right! Make an effort to ‘date’ your spouse or significant other once a week. If going to dinner every week seems like it’s too much- try working out together or even going to the grocery store together- anything where you can leave the kids at home and spend some alone time together.

Out With the Old, In With the New

Make a resolution to clean out items you no longer wear, use, or play with, and take a family trip to donate the items to those in need. Your child will appreciate what they have and will feel good about helping others in need.