10 New Year’s Resolutions for Parents

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.

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.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Clear out the playroom and donate. Assign one day each month for clearing out your playroom’s clutter and donating unwanted toys to charity.
  9. Vow for vegetables at every meal. A healthy family is a happy one. Include fresh veggies at every meal.
  10. 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?