Happy New Year! Do you think we have ever been so excited for the start of a New Year? I don’t think so! 2020 was a difficult year for most, but it definitely helped us to reprioritize. We all learned lessons that we can carry into the new year, especially in terms of new year resolutions.
One of the greatest lessons we can take from 2020 is how important family is, and how precious our time is with them. This is why we want to encourage you to think through family resolutions for the new year. We hope 2021 will be a year full of quality family memories for your family by incorporating some of these resolutions:
Weekly Family Dinner
Weekly family dinner is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prioritize time together. Choose at least one night per week, or several, to sit around the dinner table together and share a meal. Have everyone leave their phones in a different room so that you can focus on one another.
It gives you the chance to discuss your day and stay connected. Even the little ones love family dinner! They may not have much to say about their day, but they will love having your undivided attention.
One Adventure Each Month
It may be a new year, but it’s crazy how easy it is to fall into the same old, day-to-day routines you’re used to. Months can fly by without realizing that you haven’t had an adventure together in awhile. Adventures are great for family bonding! It doesn’t have to be anything extreme or expensive, it can simply be something you don’t do very often. It could be bowling or trying a new ice cream shop. It could be visiting a museum or going horseback riding. The options are endless! The point is that you are creating new memories and experiences together.
Make Lasting Memories
This goal is a bit more ambiguous because the memories that last vary entirely from person to person. But typically, our lasting memories come from special experiences. Maybe a family vacation or getting to do something extra special and out of the ordinary. Try to think of some of your favorite childhood memories that stuck with you. What ties them together? Were you having fun with your family? Was it a special trip you took? Is it a favorite tradition? Think about it, and brainstorm about how to recreate that for your family now. What do you want your kids to remember? When you answer that, find ways to create those experiences.
Say “Yes” More
As a parent, it can be easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed and just say no to anything and everything out of that frustration. Instead, take a second to ask yourself why you’re saying “no.” Is it worth it? Could you say yes? Could you say “yes” to hide-and-seek instead of doing the mountain of dirty dishes? Could you say “yes” to a game or a special experience your child seems eager about? Could you say “yes” to a family vacation this year even if it means sacrificing in other ways?
You obviously can’t say “yes” to everything; there are limits. But how much more could you open yourself up to great family experiences by saying “yes” as much as you can?
Say “No” When You Need To
This may seem like an odd one to follow the last point, but it’s not what you think! Saying “no” when you need to means saying “no” to the things that aren’t important. 2020 helped us realize that we tend to overcomplicate our lives and schedules. Busyness detracts from quality family time. Think twice before you say yes to an event or a commitment. Ask yourself if it’s best for your family overall. Will it bring you closer to your goals? Or pull you further away? Will it increase or decrease quality time together? Boundaries in life and your schedule is often the best way to protect family time and relationships. The goal is to use your yes’s and your no’s wisely.
Whether it’s one of these goals, or something entirely different, we hope you consider making your own family resolutions this year! Decide what’s important to you as a family and protect it. From all of us at the Connection Point Early Learning Center, we hope this is your best year yet!