If you’re still trying to decide on resolutions for the new year, it’s not too late! After all, self-improvement should be a year-round endeavor. But when you’re so focused on taking care of everyone else, individual goals can be tough to stick to. So why not set New Year’s resolutions for the family?

Why Make New Year’s Resolutions as a Family?

New Year’s resolutions are often easier when you have a support system. When you set goals as a family, your support system is already built-in. Making family resolutions for the new year is also a great way to bond. If you’re the only one with a goal to get out and exercise, you’re missing out on a perfect opportunity for family time. The family that makes goals together will keep goals together!

Five Family New Year’s Resolution Ideas That Will Last

Here’s the tricky part: choosing New Year’s resolutions for the family that will actually last. Here’s five ideas to get you started:

1. Eat Meals as a Family

Between work, school and everything else, your family is busy. Family meals are a nice way to catch up, decompress and make sure everyone is getting a nutritious meal. Plus, seeing you follow healthy eating habits can help your kids develop a good relationship with food and nutrition that will last a lifetime.

2. Get Unplugged

Technology and devices can be great tools for learning, entertainment and staying in touch with family members. But it’s still important to make time without gadgets. Consider setting aside one night a week to play board games as a family or enjoy the great outdoors.

3. Read More

Reading is crucial for your kids’ development, and it’s also a lot of fun! Make time to read to younger children and encourage older kids to pick up a book too. Consider setting up a chart with reading goals for everyone — parents included. You can set up a rewards system for when you meet your goals, like a family pizza night or a trip to the movies.

4. Do Chores Together

When you work together as a family, you can get chores done faster and turn it into a game. You can make a chart to keep everyone on task and ensure that nobody gets stuck doing the same chores every time. Plus, it’s a great way to teach your kids about responsibility and the satisfaction of helping contribute toward a common goal.

5. Be Kinder to the World Around You

There are many ways to practice kindness as a family in the new year. Make it a point to use good manners and warmly greet each other. You might also look for opportunities to volunteer in the community.

This resolution also includes being kind to the environment! Teach your kids about what they can and can’t recycle and get into the habit of turning lights off when you leave a room. Building these habits now will set your kids up for a happier, healthier life.

Learn More About Haymarket Children’s Academy

Want to give your kids a head start? Haymarket Children’s Academy is Gainesville’s premier destination for nursery care, preschool, private kindergarten, before and after school programs, summer camp and more! 

Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about how we serve families in the Gainesville, VA area.