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We just got back from a fun-filled winter vacation at Fern Resort with the other momstown HQ families. We had such a memorable time with so many activities, we are thankful to have the photos to actually prove how busy we were!
I could share with you the four-course meals, my frightful dog sledding experience (still glad I did it), skiing with my boys for the first time or even the fun ways in which our boys were entertained at every turn...but instead, what stands out in my mind about those four days is the drive home when we asked our kids about their own New Year's Resolutions.
I guess the whole explanation of what a resolution is. Our 9 year old said that it was "something you want to change about yourself for the new year", while my 5 year old said that it was like "promises". Man, my kids are smart. They are both really right...sometimes you resolve to change something about yourself, but we wanted them to stretch their thinking to what we could all do to help make our family stronger. Life has thrown us for a loop over the last couple of years and we are really still figuring out how our "new normal" will work with just four of us. We are still learning ways to interact together and find some fun again.
The best part of the exercise really involved listening to our kids and not getting defensive when they said their wishes for each of us. They felt so valued when their resolution made it to our list and we all decided together what were our main family priorities.
Here is our family list of resolutions and goals, as determined by the four of us;
More family time- especially outdoors all year!
Take a family trip this year to a resort on an island!
Go to church more
Less arguing between brothers and more time playing together
Kids would like mom and dad to be more fair when someone is getting into trouble
Play more video games together as a family and have Family Game Night once a week!Say you can play in one minute and follow through- (GULP!)
Kids will focus more at homework time
Jayden will try to use his words when he is angry. NO MORE HITTING
Set times for Mommy working at home and time for Mommy to be unplugged and just play (this was hard to hear, but I'm really committed to making this happen!)
Daddy and Mommy will get in shape and get more active so we can all be active together
Daddy will do more homework with the kids
Screen time agreed upon- 10 hrs per week
Walk Roxy each day
Mommy get the fridge and cupboards healthier so we can all eat better this year
PLUS: More date nights for Mommy and Daddy!!!
Happy New Year from our family to yours! What would your family New Year's resolutions be? Ask your kids!
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 19:43 Each year you must set goals and resolutions with the best of intentions to your children’s. In anticipation of the things should be doing things differently this year. Goals such as outgoings quality time with your family help you on everything you must be.
Tue, 01/15/2013 - 21:49 Great blog. Thanks for sharing. I love the idea of making wishes for each other. It highlights what we want to pay attention to and what we value. This year's eve while our toddler slept, my husband and I reflected on 2012 highlights. What made it great, expeiences, leanings, and want to do again, do more of, build on. It was a nice reflection exercise.
Wed, 01/02/2013 - 20:13 These are great, Heather - I need to do this too. Car rides are a good place to talk to kids - I might have to wait until the next one to get them to listen for more than 5 minutes!