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7 ways to add joy and fun to your family’s new year’s resolutions

Jan 6, 2025 | Blog

As many of us think through New Year’s resolutions, we’re seeking habits that bring value to our lives and make us the best, most healthy versions of ourselves. This year, instead of focusing on cutting back or giving things up, why not create resolutions that add joy, connection and adventure to your family’s life?

Here are seven ideas to inspire your family’s 2025 resolutions:

  1. Commit to discovering a new fruit each month
    Turn grocery shopping into an adventure! Once a month, attempt to curb picky eating by having your child choose a fruit they have never tried. From dragon fruit to kumquats, this resolution is a delicious way to expand your family’s palate and learn about new cultures.
  2. Have a monthly family game night
    From board games to card games or even outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of options to explore. Dedicate one night a month to playing a game as a family – maybe learn a new one each time or master your family’s favorite. Not only will you build teamwork and problem-solving skills, but you’ll also create plenty of memorable moments.
  3. Add a weekly family walk to focus on the value of movement
    Choose a day each week to go on a family walk. You can commit to a distance if you’d like, but this is also a great resolution to teach your family the value of all levels of movement. Even if you only have time to take a few minutes around the block, it’s a simple, approachable way to move your body, get some fresh air and spend quality time together.
  4. Cook a meal together each week or once a month
    Turn the daily task of figuring out what’s for dinner into a family activity. You can take it a step further by trying something new each month, or just let your kids learn how to make their favorite meals throughout the year. This one requires some patience from the parents but will be a great way to teach essential skills and include them in household tasks!
  5. Build a family bucket list ‘BINGO’ card
    Sit down with your kids and brainstorm a list of things you’d like to do as a family. It could be as simple as having a picnic in the park or as ambitious as visiting a new city. When you have a free day or weekend throughout the year, use the card as a guide for how you could spend your time. Have a plan for how you’ll celebrate getting a “BINGO,” like going to get ice cream or a family movie night.
  6. Commit one night a week to be screen-free
    This one may seem restrictive at face value, but focus more on what you’ll fill your evenings with instead of the screens you’re taking away. Read books, play card games, go on walks or grill out. You can have a night that is always designated screen-free or rotate the day based on your schedule and what works best for your family.
  7. Get involved in your community
    Find ways to give back as a family. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank, participating in a park cleanup or making cards for a senior center, talk with your family about how they’d like to get involved in the community and how much time you’d like to commit to the year ahead (monthly, quarterly, etc.).

By focusing on adding meaningful and enjoyable activities, your family’s resolutions will feel more like opportunities than obligations. Here’s to a fun-filled 2025!

Appeared in Pure Living – Nashville

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