New Year's Resolution for the Whole Family

Another year, another New Year’s resolution—and Boys Town Pediatrics has a plan to help you and your family reach your goal.

This year, instead of having a different goal for each family member, try coming up with a family resolution. Maybe your goal is to lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier meals or even eat meals as a family. All goals are attainable with realistic planning and the right motivation.

• Make it Attainable. This is a great teaching moment for parents and a way to encourage positive behavior. Make sure that your child has the right resources in place to reach the goal. For example, open a savings account where he or she can contribute allowance money.
• Be Specific. Set a precise goal, such as helping a local charity with a specific event. You will be more likely to complete your resolution if you have a specific set of goals that allow you to monitor everyone’s progress.
• Develop a Timeline. New Year’s resolutions are not overnight goals, so don’t get frustrated if you don’t achieve success after two weeks. These goals are supposed to be year-long. Make check-points along the way to keep your family on track.
• Be Accountable. If you create a family goal, make sure each member understands the specific tasks that are assigned to him or her. Create a weekly or monthly chart where members can see their goals and can check off or star when the task has been completed. Hold a family meeting once a month to keep everyone on track.
• Make it Fun! Everyone is going to have to make a few sacrifices to achieve the goal, but doing this together can be a lot of fun. Have movie night at home instead of spending money at the theater. Plan a monthly dinner menu together and assign cooking duties. By being creative and making a game out of a chore or task, you may be adding in the extra motivation needed to keep your family on track.
• Make it Rewarding. When you have reached your goal, make a big deal about it and celebrate! You will be teaching your child that positive behavior and determination pays off in the end.

We hope you find these tips helpful in planning, keeping and reaching your family New Year’s resolution. Best of luck and have a happy New Year!