No matter how old your kids are, New Year’s resolutions can be a helpful tool.
It’s a valuable time to teach your children how to set goals.
And, you get the benefits of the character development like learning perseverance and patience in achieving them.
(You might want to post sticky notes on bathroom mirrors with phrases like: Change doesn’t happen overnight! Keep going! You’re doing a great job!)
Here are our best ideas for New Year’s resolutions for the entire family.
Growing stronger together as a family in 2022
Bringing everyone around the table for a family meeting is important to gain input and insight.
There are executive decisions parents can make for resolutions, but you’ll get more buy-in if kids feel that they are heard.
Gather the group so you can make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling.
Less screens. Can we all agree that the pandemic made us way too dependent on TV, streaming services, gaming, tablets and phones? Listen, we get it. Survival means that sometimes, we just need to veg out. But, we’re two years in now. It’s time to bring back some creativity in how we spend our time. And research proves that we’re all happier with less screen time. Make it happen.
Outdoor play time every day. Nature is a necessity. Even when the skies are gray and it gets dark way too early. Breathing in that fresh air and moving our bodies is essential to our health. Shift your schedule so that you can take a family walk after dinner. Find a new favorite hiking spot nearby. Make it a point to do something outdoorsy with the kids every single day — throw a ball, do a nature scavenger hunt, pick up trash at a local park, rake leaves. Whatever you do, your body will thank you.
Friday night game nights. When we’re constantly rushing around to practices, rehearsals, youth group, board meetings and book club, it sometimes feels like family time takes a backseat to the schedule. Consider scheduling a family game night. When everyone gets together for a meal and to hang around the table, you can feel the family bonds get stronger. Inside jokes blossom and laughter helps everyone feel good.
Fix our words. As our kids age, they get pretty creative about how to tease each other. Reminders like “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” and “Treat others the way you want to be treated” do sink in. However you want to phrase it, working on better ways to speak to each other goes a long way in strengthening relationships. Even when some days feel impossible, those siblings will be there for each other long after their parents are gone. Let’s do what we can now to encourage them.
Positive self-talk. This one’s a little more inward-facing. There are critical points of development where kids start to question who they are and what they can or can’t do. Believing in yourself is essential. Give your children ideas of how they can reframe negative thoughts into positive self-talk. Some self-talk ideas: “One step at a time. I just haven’t learned this yet. I am okay. I will get through this. Even if I make a mistake, I can fix it. I did my best. My needs matter. I don’t have to be perfect. My feelings are valid. I am loveable.”
Try random acts of kindness. This idea is awesome to further develop empathy. Showing our kids how to look to others helps them grow into thoughtful humans. Aim for something like one random act of kindness a week. You could make a jar full of them and rotate which family member chooses each week. Let the kids in on the creation stage, and they’ll be excited to carry out their own idea. You can do them for neighbors, strangers, teachers, coaches, pastors or friends.
What New Year’s resolutions will you try with your family in 2022?