We all do it every year. Make unrealistic resolutions we know we just won’t keep.
This year, keep it simple – and involve the family. Making resolutions together is not only a great way to focus the kids on making positive changes, if you’re all in it together, you’re less likely to give up.
But what resolutions will you actually be able to keep with your family?
Eat together more
Commit to spending at two times a week eating together as a family. It may not always be possible but when you can get everyone round the tale, it’s a great time to talk and a good opportunity to make sure you’re all eating proper meals. If the children see you happily munching away on vegetables and drinking water, they’ll be happier to do it too.
Be a little bit healthier
This is a big one. After all that Christmas chocolate, rich food and those late nights, January is the best time for a little lifestyle check. Are you all getting enough sleep, eating the right things and relaxing as a family? Just a few simple changes can make all the difference. Try swapping sugar-sweetened drinks for Nestle Pure Water to keep you all hydrated, alert and healthy.*
Stop over-planning
Work, school, play dates, classes – and that’s just the children! When did life get so busy? Having too much to do add extra stress on a family. For a calmer life, make sure you plan in some downtime too. Sometimes it’s good for kids to get bored and it really is amazing what creative games they’ll come up with when left to their own devices. You might just feel calmer too. Win-win.
Take a trip…or two
There’s nothing like a day out to connect as a family, and hopefully create some magical memories. Whether it’s a theme park or even a local playground – the options are endless. And it’s not just about the day out, sit down as a family and plan your trips together to ramp up their excitement. Just don’t forget to pack those bottles of Nestlé Pure Life water to keep you all hydrated. Thirsty kids are grumpy kids, and that’s no fun for anyone.
Share responsibility
Asking the children to help with chores is good for them, honest! Not only will they learn to be responsible, it can help improve self-esteem. It doesn’t need to be difficult - putting socks away, folding clothes or even washing the dog are all good, although that last one might get a little messy. Just make sure you arm them with a bottle of Nestlé Pure Life water to encourage them to take regular breaks!
Unplug
Have you become a slave to your smartphone? The New Year could be a perfect time to try and ease your habit. Commit to having one screen-free hour a day where the phones and tablets are put firmly away.
Get organised
Take the stress out of 2017 with a digital calendar. Check out the app store and there’ll be no more missed appointments, play dates or assemblies for you – or your kids.
Laugh more
It’s that simple. Not only is laughing thought to decrease stress, release feel-good chemicals and oxygenate you, it’s just fun. And the good news is, humour can be learned. So, if you don’t feel you’re laughing enough as a family, factor in those silly pranks, impersonations and silly songs to your weekly routine to keep spirits up.
Make time to talk
Schedule in dedicated time to catch-up with each family member where you each ask questions and listen. Having a bottle of water handy is a good idea – taking sips will encourage you all to pause and listen to each other.
Friday night fun
As much as we’d love to spend lots of time playing with our children, it’s not always possible with so many other demands on our time. So, why not schedule in a definite time every week where your children choose their favourite game. Then grab a fresh bottle of water and prepare yourself for a long game of Hide and Seek or Tag – or a board game if you’re lucky…
*Water contributes to the maintenance of normal physical and cognitive function and normal regulation of body temperature. At least 2L of water, from all sources, should be consumed per day, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
