Nine New Year's Resolutions for the Whole Family
by Lisa Nord Seplak
If you tend to find yourself making New Year’s resolutions you can’t or don’t keep, why not change things up this year and make a resolution you can share with your kids? It’s a great way to do something together, and your kids will keep you honest. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Get your game on and exercise. Pick a day and start a regular family exercise program. It doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be as simple as a family walk. Whatever activity you choose, set a goal of completing that activity at least three times a week. Alternately, just go outside and play a game with your kids—soccer, sledding, basketball, baseball; it doesn’t matter what you do. The goal is to make physical activity a fun habit for you and your family.
2. Read together. Family reading time doesn’t have to stop once your children can read on their own. Let them pick a book for you to read out loud together: you read a page, and then your child reads a page. Think of the interesting dinner table discussions you can have about your book!
3. Raise compassionate kids by volunteering. Check with your local food pantry, humane society, or senior center to learn about ways your family can help. Collect donations and send care packages to our troops. Help clean up your local park or forest preserve. Volunteer with a local charity 3k walk or run. Ask about opportunities with your kids’ school or with local religious organizations.
4. Start a family savings plan. It’s never too soon to teach children the value of money and the importance of saving, so make your plan and have every family member contribute, no matter what the amount. It doesn’t matter if the money is earned through outside jobs like babysitting or if it’s allowance money—the contribution is what’s important. After your money starts to add up, make plans to do something fun together or purchase something everyone can enjoy. Even better, keep saving for a big family present, like that trip to Disney World you’ve been meaning to take.
5. Learn something new. Have you always wanted to try snowboarding, skiing, or skating? What about scrapbooking, jewelry making, or sewing? Get your kids to try it with you and join in the fun. Follow up with your local park district or community center to see what classes they offer.
6. Conquer the clutter and get organized. A great way to start the New Year is to clean the house of clutter and clear your mind at the same time. Have your kids help, going closet by closet and room by room. Have three bags to separate the items you want to get rid of: a “give away” bag, a “throw away” bag, and a “garage sale” bag. Don’t wait—bring your giveaways to a local charity and plan a garage sale for the spring. Now you can relax and enjoy your new, peaceful home!
7. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Chances are good your kids are already learning this in school, so why not continue the practice at home? Use reusable sports bottles for water, cloth bags for the grocery store, and washable cloth napkins instead of paper. As a project, try making a compost bin. See what ideas your kids can come up with!
8. Cook with your kids. It can be something as simple as cookies or homemade pizza, or something slightly more complex, like a nacho/taco bar or a do-it-yourself salad bar. Try making themed dinners: have a Mexican, Italian, or Chinese night. Have your kids help with shopping and meal planning, then let them pick a night to plan the menu and prepare their own favorite foods.
9. Spend more time with family and friends. Slow down by unplugging the TV, video games, and computer. Plan a weekly family game night, or throw a party and invite your friends. Whatever you do, be sure to set aside “family time” on your calendar each week.
In short, it’s there are plenty of things you and your family can do together to become fitter, happier, and healthier in the New Year. Remember the saying “children are great imitators”? Give them something great to imitate—you’ll all be better off for it!
