We can hardly believe that the new year is just around the corner! It is no secret that 2022 has been filled with a lot of ups and a lot of downs. As we prepare to ring in 2023, many families are looking for refreshment, restoration, and a refocus on the things that matter most. There’s no better time than the new year to set some new goals as a family. Doing this will kick off your year with good intentions and hopefully help make everyone feel excited and expectant for the new year that’s ahead of us. Here are some great ideas for family goals to set as we ring in another new year:
Weekly Bible Verse
There’s no better way to start a new heat than with God’s word! Not only will it be beneficial for the adults in your family but also for children of all ages. We encourage you to pick a weekly Bible verse that your family can read, memorize, and recite throughout the entire week. Not only will this help you all to keep God’s word in your hearts but it will also be a constant encouragement to each of you! Post the verse somewhere where everyone can see it and be reminded of it every day. Say it in the car on the way to school and work, talk about what it means at the dinner table each night, and repeat it as everyone is winding down for bed. You’ll be amazed at how much this encourages every family member!
Family Dinners
It seems simple enough to include family dinners in your yearly family goals but it’s not hard for this habit to fall by the wayside. Busy schedules filled with work and school and extracurricular activities can cause family dinners to be far and few between. That’s why it’s important to set an intentional goal around having them! Different things will work for different families. Whether it’s committing to twice a week or four times a week, it’s important to start somewhere. Connections, good conversations, and quality time happen at the family dinner table. It’s amazing how just an hour gathered around the same table, enjoying the same meal can cause unity and connection within a family. This goal is sure to bring everyone a little bit closer this year!
Bedtime Stories
We’re always big supporters of more reading! A great way to implement reading more books within your family is to set a bedtime story goal. Pick a certain amount of nights a week that you, as the parent, will commit to reading a bedtime book with your kids. If you have children old enough to read to themselves or who have outgrown being read to, have them set a goal for the number of pages they read a night. Before you know it, you’ll realize that you’ve read a ton of books as a family this year. Not only will it be great to practice for your little one’s reading skills but it’s also a great way to bond and create memories together!
Chore Charts
Every parent said “amen”! Chore charts are a great thing to add to your list of family goals. Not only are they a great way to teach discipline and routine, but they’ll also keep things around the house much more organized throughout the year. Make the chore chart fun! Use colors and stickers to make it more appealing, especially for your younger kids. If you need a little extra motivation for your kids, use incentives like snacks, outings, or even a little allowance. This goal will be a gift that keeps on giving all year round!
We hope these ideas for family goals help you and your family set some good intentions as we ring in 2023! At Connection Point, we always aim to partner with parents and families in the best way we can. Visit our website to learn more!