Get Off Screens
Play Board Games
If you're a family that likes to game together, make a resolution to go analog, too. Rediscover board games and make them a regular habit.
Do Chores Together
Chore charts only sort of work. What will motivate kids (and you) to do weekly cleaning is a resolution to do these things together. Set the day and time, and get to it. Go for getting it done rather than super sparkling pristine. Remember, your kids are learning this responsibility and your nitpicking is making them less motivated.
Cook Together
Kids love being in the kitchen and cooking is a skill you want them to learn. So, resolve this year to do more cooking together—with real knives and hot stoves and everything.
Eat Better
While you're in the kitchen, how about a menu makeover? Where would you like to improve? Fewer carbs? More vegetables? Less meat? Pick one or two changes, and make the family New Year's resolution about that.
Make Emergency Plans
Live near an earthquake fault line? Tornado alley? An area at risk for flooding? Natural (and manmade) disasters can strike anytime or anywhere. So it's important to have emergency kits packed and ready. It's also important to have an emergency plan worked out with your partner and kids. Where will you meet up if the house is ever on fire? Who will race to which school to get the kids in the event of a tragedy? Walk through the plan once so you're not second-guessing and putting anyone at risk if you're ever in an emergency situation.
Exercise Together
Expand your personal New Year's fitness resolution to the whole family. Exercising together is a way to stay motivated, and there's nothing like crossing a finish line with each other.
