It’s a new year, and what better excuse could there be to make new routines and create some goals to make sure the whole family gets the best start to the year? Whether you want to be more active, enjoy more time with the kids or spend less money on takeaways, there are plenty of New Year’s resolutions for families to try and stick to.
We have put together 12 great ideas for the whole family’s mind, body and soul to kick off 2024 with a flying start. Good luck!
Family New Year's resolutions 2024
Be more active
It can be hard to get out of the house – especially in the winter! It is very tempting to snuggle in and hibernate through the chilly season, but it’s the best time to start creating habits.
There are so many ways to make being active fun – maybe a dance class together or a race around the park (trust us, you’ll be warm by the end of it) – it’s important to keep the whole family’s bodies moving!
Less screen time
As we head into the new year, we can be sure that there will be even more advances in technology leading to more and more screen time for kids. It’s so important to make sure that the whole family (yes, not just the kids’) are spending quality time away from screens! Think about having a night or two during the week that you switch off the tech, get away from the TV and lock up the phone. Playing board games, making dinner together as a family, learning a new card game and just having a chat are all great ways to spend the evening.
Read everyday
Research shows that just 10 minutes of reading with your child a day can give children a flying start in life and help them become lifelong readers.
Children who read in their early years are happier, healthier, more empathetic and more creative. Their early language development is supported, and they also do better at school.
The best part is that reading can happen anywhere, whether you are snuggled up on the sofa at home, on a train, or a plane or even at the park. Sharing a book with a child is fun, it's a time for closeness, laughing and talking together.
Plus, you create memories that last a lifetime!
Play more games
Switch off the screens and get everyone together for a game or two. Whether it's a card game, a board game or a sporting activity, games are fun and they teach plenty of important skills including turn-taking, patience, decision-making, losing and much more.
Practice mindfulness
Several studies suggest that kids who practice mindfulness tend to develop positive traits such as increased self-control, better attentiveness in class, boosted self-confidence and more empathy and respect for others.
With a plethora of YouTube videos and apps available to teach you and guide you through short meditations, there really is no excuse to not take a beat and sit down with the kids to calm down!
Plan a family trip
It’s always great to have an exciting trip to look forward to! Planning a trip can be equally as exciting as the trip itself. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a week overseas, get the whole family involved in brainstorming ideas, picking hire cars, deciding on Airbnb’s and planning activities.
If you’re a new parent, there are loads of companies who can recommend baby-friendly hotels, B&B’s and hassle-free packages, and I’m sure you’ll agree it would be nice to have a Summer getaway to look forward to.
Try new foods
Switch up your usual routine and make different foods or meals from all over the world that you haven't tried before. You can get the kids involved with choosing the cuisine, writing shopping lists and using a budget to buy the ingredients.
More movie nights
After a busy day, it's easy for everyone to go off into their own rooms and watch their own devices, but getting everyone together is essential. Whether it's weekly or monthly, a family film night is a great way to calm everyone down... and enjoy some good snacks, of course! You could put a selection of film titles into a hat and pull one out at random, or you could let the children take turns to choose a movie. Afterwards, why not discuss what you've just watched in your own mini-film club.
Get gardening
If your garden needs a bit of a refresh, why not get the kids involved? You can teach them where foods come from by growing your own fruit and vegetables. Even if your efforts aren't very successful, they will have enjoyed spending time in the fresh air and getting a bit muddy.
Visit the theatre
Whether it's a musical or a play, why not take the youngsters to see a family-friendly show? You can head to London and make a day of it, or you can support your local theatre and see what upcoming shows they have. If it sparks their interests, you could even sign them up to a kids' theatre club or encourage them to put on their own plays at home.
Go camping
If you want to spend more time outdoors, a camping trip is a great option. It makes for a wonderful staycation but if you're worried about the lack of amenities or how your kids will find it, stay a bit closer to home and try camping in your garden or living room first.
Share chores
Introducing household chores to toddlers from a young age gives them responsibility and confidence. A chore chart can be an effective way of getting the kids involved in tidying the home. Some of the tasks you could give them involve setting the table, helping with the laundry and putting things away.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby and Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.