New Year’s Resolutions for the Whole Family

With the start of the New Year come good intentions, and many of us make resolutions to ‘better ourselves’. However it’s not uncommon for these commitments to lose momentum and fizzle out within weeks, leaving us feeling deflated and demotivated. 

 

Having individual goals can sometimes leave us feeling isolated, especially when the rest of the family isn’t on board. So if your resolutions have faltered this year, why not consider making family resolutions that everyone can commit to? Not only does this create a sense of unity, but it also makes the process of achieving goals more of a team effort and enjoyable. A great opportunity for parents to help guide their children toward positive changes while also working toward their own self-improvement. 

One way to start the year is by giving children more responsibility. This not only helps them learn important life skills but also boosts their confidence. As parents, we often worry about what our children are learning at school, but many of the most important lessons in life – such as self-esteem, honesty, and personal hygiene – are learned at home. The New Year is the perfect time to focus on these skills and make small adjustments that will help your family function more smoothly. Encourage your children to take on new tasks or contribute in ways that will be valuable for their personal development.

 

 

It’s really important that parents, at the core of the family, feel supported and nurtured too. When you feel fulfilled, you are better able to support your children and handle the daily challenges that come with family life. Use the New Year as a chance to reflect on your own needs and consider making resolutions that aren’t solely focused on your children. Think about what makes you feel good and what you can do to take better care of yourself, as well as your family. Remember, a well-balanced parent is better equipped to nurture a well-balanced family.

Another important aspect of New Year’s resolutions is the way they are framed. Rather than focusing on self-denial, try to make positive resolutions that encourage healthy habits without the pressure of restriction. For example, instead of resolving to give up your favorite snacks like crisps or chocolate, try something more affirming, such as: “I will respect my body by choosing foods that nourish me and make me feel good.” This positive approach is not only healthier but also more likely to lead to lasting changes because it focuses on self-care rather than deprivation.

 

 

When setting family resolutions, it’s essential to keep them realistic. Avoid making extreme promises or goals that are difficult to maintain. Instead, focus on the small, everyday aspects of your life that can be improved and will help everything run more smoothly. Look at your daily routine and identify areas where small changes could make a big difference. Perhaps you could create a more organised family schedule, carve out more time for shared activities, or even just take a moment each day to connect with one another. These little adjustments can lead to big improvements in everyone’s happiness and wellbeing.

If your children are involved in the resolution process, make it fun! Resolutions don’t have to be boring or too serious. For instance, if you want to get more active, your children might enjoy teaching you a new dance routine every day or come up with a family fitness challenge. If they want to focus on learning or improving something, like spelling or handwriting, you could all contribute to a family journal and track progress together. This way, everyone feels involved and motivated, and you get to make memories and share experiences as a family. Small changes, when incorporated into daily life, can create lasting positive impacts on everyone’s wellbeing.

 

Remember, the New Year is a time for new beginnings, and that includes taking care of yourself as a parent. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of family life, but it’s important to recognise that you need time and space to grow and recharge. By taking a holistic approach to family resolutions, where everyone is included, you will not only help your children develop important life skills, but you’ll also improve your own sense of fulfillment. 

So, take a breath. You’ve just survived one of the busiest, most stressful times of year. Now it’s time to focus on what you really need to make the coming year everything you want it to be.