The events of 2020 have taught us that having a strong family unit is more important than ever. While family time was often prioritized even before the pandemic, the stay-at-home orders and social distancing regulations amplified this togetherness by making it the only option for schooling, socializing, and more. The New Year always brings with it feelings of hope and inspiration, and for many 2021 is already set up to be better than 2020. The start of the New Year is the perfect time to capitalize on close familial ties and a shared sense of hope to set goals and resolutions for the whole family. After all, resolutions are typically easier to stick to when there is strength in numbers. To get 2021 started on the right foot, consider some of these New Year’s resolutions for you and your family:
Prioritize family time
Even if 2021 allows for more reopenings and opportunities to rejoin activities that we enjoyed pre-pandemic, it’s still important to ensure that family time doesn’t go out the window. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s to be grateful for those around us, so making time for the family should never go out of style. Even if you’re all under one roof, it can be difficult to get the whole family together. Plan a game night, a dinner where each family member helps with the cooking, or even just a good discussion around the dining table. Prioritizing family time, even for just one night a week, is a simple New Year’s resolution that the whole family can agree to.
Limit fast food
During the initial stay-at-home order, many of our favorite restaurants temporarily shut down, leaving us to our own devices when it comes to cooking. Staying at home allowed us time to hone our culinary skills, rather than think of them as an added chore to an already busy day. If you’ve learned a couple of new recipes this year, don’t let them go to waste in the new year! Cooking at home and limiting fast food saves money and is healthier for your family. While we understand a quick meal on the road from time to time, cooking at-home meals are far more beneficial for the health of your family and the quality time that you get to spend together.
Get active
There’s a reason why exercising always tops the list of popular New Year’s resolutions. Getting daily exercise is a necessity for good health, but working out doesn’t have to feel like a chore, especially when you get the family involved. Get the whole family up and moving by starting a new sport or activity together. Depending on what each member of your family is interested in, there could be a variety of sports that you get together and play for a couple of weeks before moving on to the next one. Exercising as a group allows you all to hold each other accountable, while sports and activities are fun ways to get moving.
Limit screen time
With phones, computers, and T.V.s all competing for our attention, it can be difficult to take a break from the screens in our lives. While children may seem obsessed with their devices, parents can be just guilty. This year, make a pact as a family to spend less time scrolling and more time being present. This resolution is the perfect addition to others on this list because you can fill the absence of screen time with a different activity, like games, sports, or cooking as a family.
Volunteer as a family
Volunteering as a family brings everyone together while achieving a new perspective on life. No matter how tough 2020 was, it’s important to remain grateful for what you have and to give back to those who don’t have as much as you. Making a difference in your community is a resolution for your whole family that will benefit all parties involved.
Stay up to date on well visits
This year has taught us the importance of health, so make sure you and your family members are staying on top of your personal health by staying up to date on your well visits. Well child care is one of the many services offered by Wake Forest Pediatrics. These visits focus on many different aspects of your child’s growth and development. Our comprehensive approach focuses on teamwork and open communication with patients and parents. If you are choosing a pediatrician and have questions about our practice, call our Wake Forest office at 919-556-4779 or our Knightdale office at 919-266-5059 to make an appointment
