December 31, 2016

Parenting resolutions for 2017

2016. What a year.

If it’s incited anything, though, it’s the desire to set some truly positive intentions for 2017. We may not be able to change everything that’s happening in our world, but we can change our own lives, and the ripple effect from that shouldn’t be discounted.

Here’s our list of parenting resolutions for 2017 — the goals and actions we are going to keep in mind to better ourselves and our families, and to put some light and positivity back into the world.

1. Keep diversity alive for our kids. Whether that’s keeping open and honest dialogue about the many unique people who make up our world, or reading books and watching movies that promote and celebrate diversity, we will make a greater effort this year to celebration inclusion with our kids.
2. Promote confidence and independence in our kids by exploring free-range parenting tactics.
3. Get more involved in our kids’s schools. This is such a positive way to spend time with our kids, as well as to stay connected to what they’re learning, what’s going on at their school, and who their fellow students are. This doesn’t mean becoming “super parent” and diving into absolutely everything, but rather picking one activity you know you can commit to, and making sure to show up for that position or volunteer effort all year long.
4. Find a new family hobby. Families, like all things, can find themselves suffering from the doldrums of routine. This year we’re going to choose a new activity that we can regularly participate in as a family, getting us out of the house and spending quality time together in a completely new way. What’s your family most interested in? This could be a family book club, season tickets to an athletic event, a monthly trip to a new museum. Anything that promotes learning and activity on a regular basis.
5. Spend more one-on-one time with a spouse. Happy people make the happiest parents, and if you and your spouse are neglecting one another, your children are going to feel the effects. Set a regular date with your spouse, or come up with a plan for getting daily one-on-one time together. There is no difference between strengthening your relationship and strengthening your family.
6. Spend more one-on-one time with your kids. What’s an activity you can do together to promote closeness and make them feel special? Even if it’s just picking a TV show you both like — making the time to be with just them, alone, will have a giant impact.

The most important thing is setting intentions you can keep. Don’t set goals that are too lofty or impossible to achieve. Committing to small actions that you can engage every single day is what will make the most profound impact.

Go forth and make this year one of your best ones yet!