Resolutions: family time!
04 January, 2020
Whether it's the beginning of a new year or the middle of one, it's always a good time to make new resolutions to improve daily family life or develop better habits. However, often we make resolutions alone, and when we lose momentum, we end up giving up because we can't find the motivation to continue. But as the saying goes, "Alone, we go faster, but together, we go further." So, why not instead make a family resolution, one that the whole family chooses and in which everyone can participate in their own way? Here are a few ideas.
Get on Schedule
Before deciding on a particular resolution, it's important to take your approach seriously. To achieve your goal, you need to plan the time you'll dedicate to your resolution. Don't hesitate to note it in your weekly planner, for example; the important thing is to block out a time slot that you won't deviate from. In daily life, we're always so busy that it's far too easy as a parent to put off our actions until tomorrow. Look at your weekly schedule and ask yourself:
- What free time do you have to work on our resolution?
- What time slot is available?
- Which family members can participate?
Family Physical Activities
Instead of rushing to join a gym, why not bring the workout home? Moving as a family is so much more motivating. You could create a routine where each member chooses an exercise. Alternatively, 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 short group workout session! You could also do yoga and meditation sessions with the little ones. And when summer arrives, bike rides, family walks/runs, hikes, and swimming are great ways to continue your resolution to be more active as a family. Looking for more ideas? Discover suggestions every month in our Chef.fe de famille monthly magazine!
Reading, a Family Project
As a mom, I read to my children daily. That can't really be a resolution. But too often, when our little ones start to read, reading becomes synonymous with evaluation, task, homework. So, we must keep in mind that reading can also be for pleasure. As parents, we must cultivate this interest in the pleasure of reading. We can therefore decide on a time slot where all family members will read their own book, but at the same time. We can also take a moment each week to discuss our current readings, advise each other, and share our favorites.
Library visits are also a way to reconnect with reading. When children (or even adults!) get tired of the books they have at home, we can rekindle the flame for reading by getting new ones! This 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 greater place in our lives this year.
Board Game Nights
While physical activity and reading are great options, we can also decide to put the pleasure of family moments at the heart of our resolution. You could thus decide to have a board game night once a week, ideally always on the same evening. This way, you create a ritual, and after a year, it will be a well-established habit!
I hope you liked my ideas! Have you ever tried family resolutions? Would you be willing to try this year?
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