Resolutions: family time!

Putting it on the schedule

Before settling on a particular resolution, it's important to take the process seriously. To reach your goal, you need to plan the time you'll devote to your resolution. Don't hesitate to write it down on your weekly planner, among other places; the key is to block off a time slot you won't back out of. In daily life, we're always running around so much that it's far too easy as parents to put things off until tomorrow. Look at your weekly schedule and ask yourself:

• What free time do you have when you could work on your resolution?
• Which time slot is available?
• Which family members will be able to take part?

Physical activities as a family

Instead of rushing off to sign up at the gym, why not bring the workout home? Moving as a family is so much more motivating. You could create a routine where each family member picks an exercise. Or everyone can do the exercises of their choice, but all at the same time and in the same place. Put on some music and presto: a little group workout! You could also do yoga and meditation sessions with the little ones. And when summer comes, bike rides, family walks/runs, hikes and swimming are great ways to keep up your resolution to move more as a family. Looking for more ideas? Discover suggestions every month in our monthly Family Manager!

Reading as a family project

As a mom, I read to my kids every day. That can't really be a resolution. But too often, when our little ones start reading, reading becomes synonymous with evaluation, a task, homework. We have to keep in mind that reading can also be for pleasure. As parents, we need to nurture that interest in the joy of reading. So we can decide on a time slot when all family members each read their own book, but at the same time. We can also take a moment each week to talk about what we're currently reading, give each other recommendations and share our favourites.

Trips to the library are also a way to reconnect with reading. When the kids (or even the adults!) have grown tired of the books they have at home, we can rekindle the spark for reading by going to pick up new ones! It makes for a nice little free outing that contributes to your resolution! Finally, we keep in mind that everyone needs stories, and we challenge ourselves to give reading a bigger place in our lives this year.

Board game nights

While physical activity and reading are great options, we can also decide to put the enjoyment of family moments at the heart of our resolution. You could, for example, hold one board game night a week, ideally always on the same evening. That way, you create a ritual, and after a year, it will be a well-established habit!

I hope you enjoyed my few ideas! Have you ever tried family resolutions? Would you be ready to try them this year?

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