Where did 2017 go? Another new year, another new set of new year’s resolutions. Instead of focusing on yourself, why not also make it the year of family? Consider these five new year’s resolutions to add to your list. May you and your family have the best year yet. Happy New Year!
Eat together
Hey, I totally get it, between busy schedules and hangry kids, sometimes it may seem totally impossible to have everyone sit together at the table. But taking time to slow down and be together is a wonderful way to bond. Talk about your day and have the kids share something that they learned at school. Make sure you ban electronics at the table.
Have a fun family date night
Make having fun together a priority this year. How about scheduling a family fun date every month? The ideas are endless: bowling, roller skating, visiting a new museum, breaking out of an escape room, eating at a new restaurant, hitting the arcade.
Do good
Spread kindness by volunteering in your community. Search for volunteer opportunities that are fueled by your family’s passion. Are you an animal lover? Check your local animal shelter. Love books? Share your love by donating books to Bernie’s Book Bank.
Can’t decide what to do? Organizations like The Honeycomb Project or Chicago Cares partners with other volunteer organizations to help spread good. The Kindness Connection also offers a Kind Kids Club, a volunteer craft project sent to you monthly. When finished, you’re able to send it directly to the volunteer organization of that month.
Visit the library often
We can’t deny it, the library is our BFF and my family always look forward to our weekly trip together. Challenge one another to see how many books you can read in a year.
Beyond books, the library offers movies, board games, storytimes and even special preschool and STEM backpacks.
Travel someplace new
Did someone say road trip? Lucky for you and the family, you don’t have to travel too far; the Midwest has so many gems within a few hours of Chicago! If you’re looking for beaches, you can’t go wrong with any beaches off the Sunset Coast of Michigan like St. Joseph or Saugatuck. Looking for a city with great museums like the largest children’s museum around? Can’t go wrong with a visit to Indianapolis. Don’t forget to stop by Fair Oaks Farm, an awesome farm-tastic learning experience.
