A new year is here, a time to reflect on the previous year’s memories and an opportunity to create a new chapter. Let this new chapter in your family’s book of life be filled with meaningful activities and resolutions that can be kept.
GET ACTIVE: Exercising is a resolution everyone makes at the beginning of each year, but it is a notoriously hard one to maintain. Accountability is key, so get the entire family involved in the exercise activities.
CHEMICAL CLEAN UP: Have you focused on the chemical monsters that may be hiding in your cabinets? The Environmental Working Group’s investigation of more than 2,000 cleaning supplies on the American market found that many contain substances linked to serious health problems. Visit www.ewg.org to learn more. For a list of safer cosmetic products visit http://bit.ly/21pxFS0.
HOBBY TIME: What activity does your entire family enjoy? Try something new. Whether it’s hiking, skiing or painting, choose something that the entire family will enjoy doing together for many years to come. This activity will be something your children grow to love even as they enter the teenage years.
GO GREEN: Did you know green foods are rich in minerals and some of the most essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B, C, E, and K. Find a green food your family enjoys in order to protect the immune system and fight off viruses and bacteria throughout the winter months.
FAMILY DINNERS: Life is hectic, and activities pull people in many different directions. Setting aside a time to sit around the dinner table will have lasting positive effects. Reflect on what’s happened throughout the week and share the “rose and thorn” moments.
UNPLUG: “Disconnect” from electronics and use the opportunity to “reconnect” with loved ones. Declare an “unplugged” zone at least once a week and head outdoors, read books around the fire, bake cookies, or play a board game. Unplug and get back to basics.
HIT THE ROAD: Traveling creates endless memories. Resolve to hit the road at least a few times a year. Visiting friends and family in a nearby town and experiencing new activities creates lasting memories. A change of scenery may be all your family needs to get through the long cold winter months.
FREE-FORM TIME: When’s the last time you played a game of hide-and-seek with your children, built a fort in the middle of your living room, or wrote new lyrics to your favorite song? Allow children to have some “free-form” time to entertain themselves and help them develop independence, creativity, and imagination.
KITCHEN TRIP: Have kids help with weekly menu planning and choose a theme or country to “visit” each night. Learn about the country’s culture and expose your children to new foods from around the world.
READ IT: Studies have shown that children’s interest in reading tends to decline around age 10. Reading with children not only fosters family bonding time, but also creates life-long readers. Grab your books, magazines, and newspapers and model positive reading habits.
GET GOOFY: Acting silly together not only boosts everyone’s overall mood, but laughing is great for the belly and the heart! Stop taking life so seriously and have some good ole’ fashioned fun together. You’d be surprised what a whoopie cushion can do for you and your family!
As Princess Diana said, “Family is the most important thing in the world.” I wish you and your family a new year filled with resolutions!
*Article originally featured in the Andrea’s Anecdotes column in the January 2018 issue of the North Caldwell Magazine.
