03 Jan NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR FAMILIES
As the holidays wrap up, the start to 2020 might have you thinking about who you are and who you want to be. If you’re a goal-oriented person who likes to make a fresh set of New Year’s resolutions on January 1 then consider getting the whole family involved! Our friends over at parenting.com put together 8 great suggestions on how to positively phrase goals to change and improve your mental health, activity level and social life — as a family!
#1 Instead of: “I’m going to eat healthier.”
Suggest: “I’m going to drink two glasses of milk each day instead of soda or juice.” Or, “I’m going to eat two pieces of fruit at lunch each day.”
These are just two examples of healthy resolutions—your child’s should be tailored to his individual needs. “Target the area you and your child need to improve upon and discuss why that is important for you,” Dr. Eastman says. If you need to eat more veggies, agree on a specific number for the week, and so on.
#2 Instead of: “I’m going to exercise more.”
Suggest: “I’m going to join a soccer team.” Or, “I’m going to go to yoga class with Mom on Saturdays.”
Increasing physical activity is always a good resolution, but Dr. Eastman says the word “exercise” can be boring. “If you make it sound fun, it’s more likely to stick.”
#3 Instead of: “We’re going to cut down on screen time.”
Suggest: “We’re going to read for 30 minutes before bed instead of watching TV.”
It’s not enough to simply say, “We’re going to reduce screen time.” Quantify how much you and your child will reduce and what you’ll be doing instead.
#4 Instead of: “I’m going to help out around the house.”
Suggest: “I’m going to set the table for dinner every night.” Or, “I’m going to help clean my bedroom once a week.”
Committing to chores is always smart because it can make kids feel needed and useful. Plus, you’ll get a little help around the house!
#5 Instead of: “I’m going to be nicer to people.”
Suggest: “I’m going to do one random act of kindness a week.” Or, “I’m going to talk to one person at school I’ve never met each week.”
Similar to #1, a social resolution should also be tailored to your child and the area they would like to improve upon. So, a shy child would likely have a different resolution (like the latter above) than a child who’s working on being nicer to other kids.
Looking for more inspiration? Click here for the full list!