Happy New Year! As usual, every year we think of goals to accomplish. Some of them we do; and some, we fall short. So, we thought…what if goals were family related…would they be easier to achieve? Here are some concrete and tangible parenting goals you can set for the year ahead. Don’t get scared, we promise these are simple, and you’re probably doing some already!
Goal #1: Monitor Health.
Sounds easy enough right? It’s important to know how often your family members are getting sick, so you can take steps to prevent it. Are they catching a lot of colds? Do they have a lot of stomach bugs? Are there any other issues that seem to be recurring? You’ll want to keep track of when these things happen and try to figure out what’s causing them so you can work on a plan to avoid them in the future.
It’s also back to school time and many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. We no longer need to wear masks to protect us from anything but that doesn’t mean it isn’t out there. If you notice signs of the flu or any other illness, do not send your child to school. Call your paediatrician and ask any questions you may have. Remind your kids that good hand hygiene habits will help prevent the spread of germs, especially your younger kids.
Goal #2: Limit Screen Time.
Hear us out!
We all do it: sit down on the couch with our phones in hand, scrolling through social media or playing games for hours at a time. But the truth is, too much screen time isn’t good for us—especially not for our kids.
We also get it…screen time gives parents time, but it really should not be used this way. Monitor what your children are watching and playing to ensure that it is age-appropriate media. Screen time can become an unhealthy habit if it is not used effectively. Perhaps, you can watch a show together or play a video game together. It encourages bonding and kids will be having fun. It’s a win-win!
Studies show that too much screen time can lead to depression and obesity in teens, so try cutting back on how much time they spend on their phones and tablets each day (and make sure they’re using their devices responsibly).
Goal #3: Read.
Yup. That’s a goal. Kids do not like to read these days. Getting your kids to read can be a challenge, especially when they’re busy with their phones and tablets. Parents, on the other hand, are tired! What if you set aside some time for reading? each day? For younger kids, incorporate it into their bedtime routine. For older kids, take turns reading a book or even listen to audiobooks together. Reading together as a family fosters bonding and helps everyone learn new things—not just about reading but also about each other and the world around them!
Goal #4: Go outside!
We live in Barbados. Sun, sea, and sand! Why are we always in the house? There’s a lot to be said about the benefits of spending time outdoors. Not only does it help families get needed physical activity and vitamin D, but it can also be a great mood booster. Spending time outside gives your child’s eyes a healthy screen time break, and it gives you the chance to spend quality time with your kids. And when you’re out in nature, you’ll probably find yourself getting some much-needed exercise too!
Goal #5: Set aside family time.
Do you mean we have to plan it too?! Teachers see our kids longer than we do! As a parent, you probably feel like there’s not enough time in the day to do all the things you want to do. But it turns out that one of the best ways to spend quality time with your kids is by making them part of your routine.
Setting aside some time during the week for cooking together or engaging in fun activities as a family. Making time to cook as a family or engage in fun activities together is one of the best things you can do for your kids. It gets them off their devices and teaches them the value of working together. And it’s never too early to start!
If you’re not sure where to start, try setting aside an hour every other Sunday afternoon to cook something together. You can make it a challenge: everyone has to be involved, and everyone has to take turns stirring or chopping! This will help you bond over something you both love: food! And when it’s done, you’ll have delicious leftovers for dinner throughout the week! As a bonus, you may notice your picky eater willing to try new foods, especially the ones they helped prepare!
Goal #6: Self Care is The Best Care!
Mental health people! If it’s one phrase we heard often for the past two years, it’s this! Practicing self-care for parents is hard, especially based on how your days go and as a parent, you may feel like your kids need all your attention. So, what do you do?
- Set aside time each day for yourself. You don’t have to spend hours on this—just try setting aside ten minutes when no one else is around so that you can relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about anything else.
- Find ways to reduce stress in your life by doing things like meditating or practicing yoga regularly so that you can avoid feeling stressed out all the time!
- Make sure you’re eating right and getting enough sleep
- Take time for yourself—go out on dates with your partner, or just go to the movies by yourself.
- Find time to exercise—it’ll make you feel better both physically and mentally.
- Try meditating or doing yoga if you have trouble sleeping—it works!
We promise that if you take some time out of every day to take care of yourself and do something nice for yourself—whether that means taking some time out of your schedule to go for a walk outside or reading a book in bed before going to sleep—you’ll be happier in the long run.
So, what do you say? Are any of these goals doable? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to know what you think!
