It’s that time of the year again. Fresh starts and new beginnings are on the horizon. A new year full of hope and promise lies before us all. And what better time to make change in your life than this time?

Most resolutions are for individuals, but I propose several resolutions between yourself and your child(ren) as follows. If you are looking for some ideas, I have included a list of my favorite resolutions. Pick one (or more!) resolution for the next year from the list below. All hours and terms, of course, are up to you.

• We will play together. This year, I (the parent) resolve to spend at least two hours every week playing the game of you, (the child(ren)), choice.  If you are feeling very brave, you may leave the resolution as is. If you are not technical, you may want to amend it to exclude video games, computer games, etc. Board games are an excellent choice.
• We will have a special project. This year, I (the parent) resolve to spend at least two hours every week working on our own special project with you, (the child(ren)). This resolution is one of my favorites as it can take any form. You could take up a hobby, take lessons together, train a pet, grow plants, sightsee around your home, build a dollhouse…. There are just too many choices! Talk with your child(ren). I’m sure they have some ideas!
• We will imagine together. This year, I (the parent) resolve to spend at least two hours every week pretending with you, (the child(ren)). I’m seeing forts, camp-outs, tea parties, etc. Let your (and their) imaginations run wild.
• We will create together. This year, I (the parent) resolve to spend at least two hours every week creating with you, (the child(ren)), in the medium of your choice. Drawing, painting, sewing, calligraphy, music, etc. This can be incorporated with a special project very easily.
• We will cook together. This year, I (the parent) resolve to cook at least one meal every week with you, (the child(ren)). This resolution is very exciting because it turns a somewhat mundane chore into a fun event for the family. If you have multiple children, I suggest cooking with each separately. Their proud faces at presenting the meal they cooked specially with Mommy or Daddy never gets old.
• We will read together. This year, I (the parent) resolve to read the book of your choice at least two hours every week with  you, (the child(ren)). You may or may not want to include the stipulation of the book of your choice. Instead, you may want to say the book of our choice. Reading with your child(ren) can be so rewarding and enjoyable while also increasing their vocabulary. Reading is such a critical skill very often overlooked in this day and age and such a fun thing to do together.

Be careful when choosing your resolutions as they are an oath and a promise between yourself and your child(ren). If you have limited time, make sure you adjust the hours in your resolution. It’s fine to go over, but most children will notice if you don’t meet the minimum. Remember, these resolutions cannot ever be a waste because you’ll be spending time with some of the most precious people in your life.

My resolution is to create more fun games, ideas, stories, and content for children in my newsletter. I have a lot of plans brewing and I’m very excited about it. What do you plan on resolving for the new year? Are you going to use any of the suggestions above? Do you have any additional suggestions of fun resolutions to make with your child?