There’s usually a sense of renewal at this time of the year. Many of us are eager to push the reset button and tackle the things we’ve put off, like eating less and moving more. Most resolutions begin with the greatest intentions, but by the spring, old habits return. This year, why not commit to doing resolutions differently — by making them a family affair?
According to the article Process Over Outcome: How To Keep New Year’s Resolutions on the Brain Docs website, “focusing on the process, creating a supportive environment, cultivating a growth mindset, pursuing incremental changes, and engaging in continuous reflection and adaptation, can make New Year’s resolutions real turning points in our lives.” For 2025, I’ve suggested that our family seek more meaningful ways to make changes. This approach feels less daunting and more doable for the long haul. Start by taking inventory of the things you are already doing that work and elevate them.
Volunteer Your Time
Whether you give back through a place of worship, a local non-profit, a shelter, or a food bank, set an annual (or hourly) goal and commit to it. Volunteerism is an excellent way to teach children that the world is bigger than them. My son and I have volunteered at the Los Angeles-based nonprofit, Hope in a Suitcase, which provides foster children with all-new clothes, shoes, toiletries, books, blankets, and more. Teaching him to help those in need has been a memorable mother/son bonding experience.
Dine in Different Diasporas
Most cities are melting pots of cultures and flavors. If you hear about a new hot spot or come across an interesting one on social media, step outside of your comfort zone and give it a try. I keep a cell phone list of “Restaurants to Try.” Eater is a digital media brand that offers readers access to over 10,000 maps from more than 100 cities worldwide. It also lists editor recommendations, the ability to book reservations, create custom favorite restaurant lists, and search by a desired dish or cuisine. Or just cook at home using recipes you’ve never used before — bonus points if you involve the whole family in the preparation!
Move It — Together
If the gym isn’t your thing, walking is an excellent way to stay in shape without the hassle of fees — and since chatting on a walk is easy, it’s a great bonding experience too. For several years, our family has joined four other families for a New Year’s Day hike to start the year on a healthy note, and we plan to continue it in 2025 with the American Heart Association’s six-week beginner walking plan, because families that walk together get healthy together.
Unplug From Social Media
My son’s school assignment to complete an e-fast (electronics-fast) has turned into a challenge to keep it going. Once a month, ditch the devices and cook a meal together, pull out a board game and let loose for a family game night, or commit to limiting screen time by picking up a magazine, or reading a book a month. If you’re interested in a family e-fast, check out how to get started here.
Zoom In
The pandemic forced the world to shelter in place, making it impossible to be with loved ones. Those days are long behind us, but staying connected to loved ones doesn’t have to be with scheduled monthly family Zoom calls. Elders who may not be able to travel will love the idea of seeing the faces, hearing the stories, and interacting with grandchildren and other loved ones they don’t get to see regularly. It can help build meaningful connections between generations and benefit older relatives who may be lonely.
Daily Positivity
Whether you are a religious person or not, everyone can use some encouragement. My son started a daily family text chain with a “Verse of the Day” from the popular YouVersion Bible app, which also includes weekly and monthly reading plans, guided prayer, and more. This small gesture can bring families closer and positively start the day. For those of the Jewish faith, Pocket Torah offers the ability to learn the weekly Torah on a mobile device or computer. And if you prefer your encouragement to be free of religion, Motivation is a great daily inspirational quotes app.
Be a Word Nerd
Looking to expand your vocabulary? Build on it by getting a notification from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary app (available for both Apple and Android), which offers definitions and the proper way to use words in a sentence. To involve your family, ask each member to share what word they’ve learned lately — or quiz each other at the dinner table!
Daily Puzzler
To keep the mind sharp, try quick (and free) online brain teasers as you sip your morning coffee, and encourage your kids to do one puzzle a day during downtime. I like the New York Times Mini Crossword Puzzle, the New York Times Wordle, the New York Times Spelling Bee, and Black Crossword, which features terms and clues from across the Black diaspora developed by Brooklyn, New York-based creator Juliana Pache.
The real magic happens when you transform these resolutions from individual goals into meaningful family traditions that benefit everyone. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about having fun, and most importantly, creating memories together along the way.
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