Ah, resolutions. There’s nothing like a fresh start at the beginning of a new year. Most of the New Year’s Resolutions we make are personal, but have you ever thought about making Family Resolutions? January is a great time to think about the things we want to change. If I had to bet, all of us would be able to think of a few things to change in our family life.

Eat Together More

I get it. Between work, school, sports, music lessons, dance class, and grocery shopping, it is hard, at times, to sit down and eat together. The bigger the family, the harder it is. Studies show that eating together as a family improves school performance, boosts happiness, and improves the family bond. Let’s take back family meal times and make an effort to eat together at the table more often. Bonus points if the meals are healthier.

Play Together More

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had some sickness in our house and the kids have gotten whiny. When I asked my son what was wrong, he replied, “You haven’t played with me.” He was right. I had been feeling so cruddy that all I wanted to do was sit and rest while the kids entertained themselves. I am personally making an effort to play with my kids more–not just take them outside and watch them play, but REALLY playing with them. I’ll be building block towers, shooting nerf guns, and running around the yard kicking a soccer ball in 2014.

Cook Together More

This goes along with eating together, but I have found that my kids are much more interested in the meal if they have helped make it. Allowing kids in the kitchen with us is equipping them with skills they will use as adults. Not to mention, there are all sorts of opportunities for reading and math while you cook. Score! Cooking together builds memories. Let’s pull up a stool and hand our kids a wisk.

Read Together More

My boys look forward to snuggling on the couch after bathtime and reading together. They choose their favorite books and we get a few more extra cuddles before bedtime. It’s a win-win, really. As a former public school teacher, I know the value of 20 minutes of reading time with kids. Their reading will improve, they’ll have a higher vocabulary, and they’ll have a stronger bond with mom and dad.

Get Outside More

Fresh air and sunshine–we all need more of it. A trip to the park, a hike on a trail, riding bikes–all of things get us outside and exercising. This year I’m personally working on this. We’re unplugging more and getting outside! We’ll head to the farm, dig in the dirt, and even try something new for family fun.

Save more

Sigh….this one is a biggie. The inner struggle of wants vs. needs is inside all of us and it is hard to tame. Teaching our kids to have a healthy relationship with money is imperative for their future. Whether it is using coupons, cutting unnecessary costs (I’m talking ’bout you Target Dollar Spot trinkets!), or sticking to a budget to pay down debt, 2014 is the year to tame the money struggle. Personally, we’re working through Dave Ramsey’s steps for paying off debt and building our savings.

Let’s make 2014 a year to remember!

So tell me: What are your New Year’s Resolutions?