New Year, New Goals: Family New Year’s Resolutions for 2021

New Year’s resolutions are relatively commonplace, but actually keeping those resolutions? Well, that’s quite a rare thing. According to researchers, only 19 percent of folks who make New Year’s resolutions actually stick with them, with most of those falling off the proverbial wagon by mid-January. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make and benefit from some resolutions for 2021! When you’re all in it together, it’s easier to keep up the momentum and hold each other accountable. Keep reading to see some fun family New Year’s resolutions. 

Family New Year’s Resolutions

More Quality Family Time

If the last year has shown us anything, it’s that we’ve all got to watch out for each other! With so many folks stuck at home, many of us have had a lot of family time… But it has definitely been quantity over quality. Meanwhile, front line workers haven’t even gotten the chance to get bored with being stuck at home together. So for the coming year, why not make a resolution with the rest of your family to prioritize quality family time? 

We still don’t know what the coming year will look like with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and the reopening of businesses, schools, and other institutions, but no matter what happens, these are some easy ways to stay close with your family. 

• Schedule time with your loved ones. Without a set time to do something, it’s easy to let it slide. That’s how you end up pushing family time down the road and never actually spending meaningful time together. Instead, mark a day and time on your shared calendar (bonus points if your family has gone digital) and plan a specific activity. It could be a trip to the bowling alley, a social-distancing picnic with the grandparents, or even just popping some popcorn and watching a movie together on the couch. Whatever it is, treat it with as much respect as you would a work meeting. Everyone can put their devices away and be present together—which is how real, lasting memories are made.  
• Don’t let distance keep you apart when technology can bring you together. While you’re at it, schedule some quality time with loved ones that you haven’t seen in person in quite a while! There are more ways than ever to do so these days with apps like FaceTime, Houseparty, Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc. If you need some help getting Grandma or Grandpa on board with virtual visits, check out this guide to video chat apps for seniors (and anyone who is less than tech-savvy).

Other Family Resolutions

If you’re looking for other ideas for family resolutions, these are some great ideas on their own or in addition to the one above!

• Being more active. The typical American lifestyle is increasingly sedentary, which is not good for our health, both physical and mental. Look for ways to move more individually and as a family. Take a walk after dinner, go for a hike, go bowling, play a game in the backyard. Making physical activity fun will make you and your family more likely to do it!
• Giving back. We all want to teach our kids to be good neighbors, and the best way to lead is by example. If you haven’t volunteered in a while, sign up for a project or committee to support your community. There are lots of community service opportunities that you can do with your kids, from sorting canned goods at the food bank to picking up trash at the local park.  

Learning something new. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, why not pick up a new hobby? Whether it’s learning a craft, a language, or a sport, learning something new can keep you sharp and lift your spirits. Of course, we think bowling is a pretty cool hobby to pick up! We have Richmond bowling leagues for all ages and skill levels if you or your kids want to get involved.