The new year is upon us! While so many people think of New Year’s resolutions, often focusing on eating right, exercise or quitting smoking, there’s a theme that can’t be ignored: New Year’s resolutions for parents.
Image via Mathias Erhart
If you’re a parent and want to improve the lives of you and your kids, then consider some of these great resolutions.
- Dedicate a few hours a day for “No-Tech Time.” Sometime’s it’s best to put away the electronic devices and pay attention to each other. Pick a set time every day, like dinnertime or anytime after 8 PM.
- Vow to make one homemade meal each day. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, a homemade meal is a great way to make your family healthier.
- Go on a new adventure every weekend. It could be a trip to a new park, a walk through the zoo or a day at the beach.
- Schedule regular me- or we-time. Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean you can’t do things on your own. Make sure you get a bit of me-time every week, or pick a date night for you and your spouse.
- Start delegating the household chores. As soon as your little ones get old enough, start transferring your chores–like vacuuming, washing dishes and picking up the living room–to your kids.
- Make a photo album. You take so many pictures of your family, but they usually just sit on your phone. This year, put the best shots in a photo album so they don’t go unused.
- Take a breath and smile. Feeling stressed and ready to blow? It happens to all parents. But, before you blow your top, take a breath and smile. It’ll help you relax and better handle any disciplinary action.
- Clear out the playroom and donate. Assign one day each month for clearing out your playroom’s clutter and donating unwanted toys to charity.
- Vow for vegetables at every meal. A healthy family is a happy one. Include fresh veggies at every meal.
- Don’t be afraid to say no. Just because your child wants something, doesn’t mean you have to deliver. Make a point of getting comfortable with saying “no” this year.
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
