7 New Year’s Resolutions to Make With Your Kids

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Mother and young daughter at gym
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It’s nearly here: 2019. How are you going to make it your family’s best year yet?

While resolutions are often made individually, don’t miss the opportunity to invite your kids in on the fun. Creating family resolutions can be a good way not only to bond with your children right now, but also to set the stage for making memories in the months to come. Here are seven pledges you can make with your family.

Resolution No. 1: Create a family tradition

Boots drying in front of fire
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Kids thrive on tradition. You probably do, too. Not only do traditions give you something to anticipate, but they also create happy memories you can be reminded of each time the tradition repeats.

If you don’t have any family traditions, 2019 is a good time to start. Don’t go overboard, or you might not follow through. Pick one or two traditions to start. Here are some ideas to get you and your kids brainstorming:

  • Special breakfasts on birthdays
  • New Year’s Day hike in the woods
  • Movie night once a month or week
  • Game night once a month or week
  • Holiday-specific activities, such as a special meal or craft
  • Evening walks when the moon is full
  • Annual time capsule

Resolution No. 2: Cook together once a month

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merzzie / Shutterstock.com

Cooking with kids is beneficial for two reasons: It promotes family bonding and also teaches an important life skill.

Maybe you don’t cook yourself. Then this resolution would be a good way for you and your kids to learn together. Borrow a basic cookbook from the library and head to the kitchen once a month to try your hand at a new recipe.

If you’re already a super cook, invite your kids to join you in the kitchen once a week. Select a night when you won’t be in a rush. They can help make the regular meal of the day, or work on a dessert or special recipe of their choosing. It doesn’t matter. They will love being there with you.

Resolution No. 3: Have a monthly date

Mother and son at the movies
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Make plans to go out once a month for some one-on-one time with your son or daughter. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. The fast-food play area can work, although older kids may prefer to see a movie or go to a museum.

The point is to spend some time alone with your child. If you have multiple children, getting Mom’s or Dad’s undivided attention can be a rare treat in a busy household. However, even if you have a single child, he or she will likely enjoy some special time with you out of the house.

Let your child take the lead in deciding where to go, or take turns planning the agenda.

Resolution No. 4: Make a money goal to manage together

Little boy with piggy bank
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Money management is a life skill many of today’s young adults seem to be lacking. Financial literacy is often not taught in schools, jobs for teens are drying up, and parents seem hesitant to share any details of their finances with their children.

It all adds up to kids being sent out into the world with little to no understanding of how to budget, save and spend wisely.

Make a resolution that this year you’ll help your children learn more about how money works. The best way to do that is to give them some hands-on experience. Select a money goal you can work on together, even if you’re the one providing all the money.

For example, depending on their ages, they may be able to help with the budget and planning for a birthday party or a family vacation.

Resolution No. 5: Plan an annual adventure

Family at aquarium
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Speaking of family vacations, make a resolution to plan an adventure of some kind in 2019. It doesn’t have to be expensive or even all that involved. Heading to a new museum or camping in the backyard can qualify.

Stepping outside your normal routine can be an excellent way to bring family members of all ages together for some serious memory-making.

Resolution No. 6: Find an outside activity for the family

Family biking in the woods
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By outside, we’re talking about an activity that will take you out of the house. Unless you have serious air quality issues in your area, spending time outdoors is a proven way to improve both your physical and mental health.

Unfortunately, the days of sending kids outside to play seem to be long gone in many areas. Heavy traffic, lack of green space and friends holed up with homework or video games means there may not be much for them to do even if you kick your kids out of the house for a day.

In today’s modern world, your best bet for getting kids outside may be to take up a family activity involving lots of fresh air. Here are some ideas:

  • Skiing, snowshoeing or sledding
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Frisbee golf
  • Croquet
  • Biking
  • Gardening

Resolution No. 7: Learn something new together

Mother daughter doing crafts
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Finally, resolve to expand your horizons in 2019 and be sure to take your kids along for the ride. Find an activity that (most) everyone thinks would be fun and make it your goal to master it before the Times Square ball drops one year from now.

The sky’s the limit, but here are some ideas of what you could learn:

  • New cooking techniques
  • Furniture refinishing
  • A new language
  • Sewing or crafting
  • DIY home repair

If your family is more into books, you could take turns selecting titles for the entire family to read and discuss. Or, for more of a challenge, you and your teens or adult children could try taking a free online college course.

Are you making resolutions with your kids this year? If so, leave a comment and or share what you have planned on our Facebook page.

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