Resolutions. People make them every year as the calendar flips to January 1. Many resolve to lose weight, exercise more, get a new job (KidsTLC is hiring, btw), spend more “me” time, etc. Note these two things:
- Resolutions usually yield better results when tackled with someone else.
- Your mental health often benefits from making positive changes in your life.
So, why not make some resolutions as a family and make mental wellness a top priority? There are plenty of ways for children to help set goals to achieve together!
- Solicit input: Ask your kids what they think is important for you and for them. Opening the lines of communication is important to building healthy relationships and connections. It also helps provide ownership of learning opportunities.
- Be realistic: Set attainable goals that are measurable and can be accomplished throughout the year. Maybe you won’t run a marathon this year, but perhaps you can walk for 26 days in a row or once a week as a family for 26 weeks.
- Model resilience and acceptance of disappointments: There will be good days and not-so-good days. Dealing with mistakes or missed opportunities in a healthy way shows that it’s okay, and you can try again. Forgiving yourself and others inherently feels good.
- Have fun: Maybe your family wants to make a tracking-calendar or goal-thermometer together; some just like to regularly hear words of praise and support. As progress towards goals are made, consider incorporating fun rewards such as choosing a movie to watch together or place to visit in the community.
Now that you have a base for incorporating some changes, you might need ideas for family-friendly resolutions that could benefit your mental health and overall well-being:
- Safety first: Maybe it’s always wearing your seatbelt and bike helmet, resisting peer pressure or vowing to talk to someone if you’re feeling too much anxiety or stress. Be cognizant to address potentially dangerous situations asap. Yes! You can chart these things!
- Everyday activities: Whether it’s drinking a glass of water when you wake, adding a half-hour of sleep or reading 10 pages of a book, these actions are beneficial and attainable, but often overlooked.
- Help others: It might be an organized volunteer activity through school or work, or perhaps it is just helping someone get their groceries into their car. Showing kindness to others helps foster empathy, build social skills, teach appreciation and respect, and oh so much more that is emotionally fulfilling. You can track minutes of support by individuals and as a group.
- Physical health aids mental wellness: Healthy eating habits and regular exercise helps decrease stress, anxiety, anger and depression. Try adding a vegetable or fruit smoothie to your meal plan. Who can create the craziest, yet yummiest concoction in your family? Maybe you’ll want to replace 15 minutes of screen time for stretching, yoga, sit-ups or kicking a ball around the yard.
If goals or resolution are something that will benefit your family, remember to focus on self-care and activities that minimize stress and anxiety. Frustration surrounding unkept New Year’s resolutions is common and can negatively impact mental wellness. But, with support and realistic deployment, resolutions this time of year can boost self-esteem and confidence while building healthy relationships. What are some of your priorities?