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Making New Year’s resolutions as a family

The beginning of a new year provides us with an opportunity for a fresh start and the chance to try new ways we can improve our health and well-being. Adults aren’t the only ones who can make resolutions to better themselves, as there are plenty of ways to set goals as a family for the upcoming year.

Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota, talks about making resolutions for the whole family.

Tips for making resolutions together:

  • Set an example by asking your kids what you can do to improve yourself. Soliciting this information provides an opportunity for you to ask your children how they can make improvements themselves.
  • Make realistic goals that can be accomplished throughout the year.
  • Create a vision board as a family and include your goals so that everyone can see them and hold each other accountable as the weeks go on.
  • Resolutions might not make sense for younger children. Consider starting the conversation about setting goals when your kids are a bit older, around elementary age.

Dr. Chawla also advises that when setting goals to improve, it’s important to remember that it’s not what you want your kids to work on, but instead it’s what they want to work on for themselves.

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