Don't make unrealistic New Year's resolutions that you'll break before you know it. Instead, make some new commitments as a family to spend more time together, argue less and stay active.
Family New Year's resolutions
Sit down to dinner
Eating family dinners together has been linked to lower incidence of teen smoking, drinking and drug use. Additionally, research shows that kids who eat with their family also get better grades. And if you need more reasons to sit down to dinner, meals at home cost less than eating out, plus you'll be able to ensure your kids are consuming their veggies, trying new foods and eating more healthfully. This year, make a resolution to sit down and eat dinner together as a family at least four nights a week.
Stop overscheduling
Are your kids scheduled from breakfast to bedtime? Scheduling your kids for every extracurricular activity and event possible doesn't make you a good parent. You have to find the balance of letting your children participate in activities they enjoy, while also allowing time for free play, friends, family and sleep. Parents who overschedule their kids often overschedule themselves too. Make a promise to yourself and your family to ease back on all the structure and planning to allow everyone to have a little more free time.
With all of his activities, is your child overscheduled?>>
Unplug once a week
Technology is great and we certainly can't live without it. However, if your family is always on the computer, watching TV or playing video games, it's time to take a break and reconnect with each other. Dedicate one day a week as an "unplugged" day. On this day, turn off computers, televisions, smartphones and all other electronics. Use this day to get back to basics.
- Go hiking, biking or swimming.
- Create a special arts and crafts project.
- Cook a meal together as a family.
- Set aside a couple of hours for reading time.
- Visit the home of family or friends.
- Do some spring cleaning.
- Draw, paint or take pictures.
- Plant a vegetable garden.
- Play board games or cards.
- Spend time talking, relaxing and laughing.
Read about ways to maximize your family's time together>>
Plan family fitness days
Keep your family fit and healthy by holding family fitness days. Take a walk together every evening, plus use the weekends to try out new fun ways to exercise.
- Take a hike or bike ride at your local park.
- Create an obstacle course in your backyard.
- Play laser tag or paintball.
- Go rollerblading or ice skating.
- Join a family flag football or soccer league.
- Sign up with martial arts classes.
Laugh more, argue less
Probably the most important thing you can do for your family is to enjoy life and avoid arguments. Don't sweat the small stuff. Create a laid back atmosphere in your household with lots of laughs and love. Control your temper and be kind to others, and your children with follow suit. Reducing confrontations and stress leads to a healthy and happy environment for everyone.
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