8 simple New Year's resolutions for the whole family

Whether you made New Year’s resolutions right after Thanksgiving or are just starting to think about the year ahead, making family resolutions is a wonderful way to kick off the new year. It helps everyone get on the same page, teaches kids the value of working toward a goal, and builds important life skills like perseverance, hard work, and personal growth.

But resolutions can feel overwhelming, especially if they’re too complicated or if not everyone is on board. The trick is to keep things simple and achievable so the whole family feels motivated to follow through. To help strengthen family bonds and start the year off right, here are 8 easy and meaningful resolutions to try together.

1. Institute weekly family walks

Spending time outside together is a simple yet powerful way to bond as a family. Whether it’s a weekend nature walk, a post-dinner stroll, or even a family bike ride in the driveway before bedtime, the goal is to get moving together. This resolution (and habit!) not only encourages exercise but also creates space for distraction-free conversations to talk about the day. Aim for once a week, but don’t be surprised if your family eagerly starts planning a few more. 

2. Make reading part of your bedtime routine

It sounds simple (and you might already be doing it!) but setting aside reading time before bed is a great resolution that promotes learning, builds healthy habits, and helps the netire family unwind before sleep. For older kids, this could mean cozying up on the couch with their own chapter books while you set the mood with soft lighting or relaxing jazz music in the background. For younger kids, it might look like snuggling up in bed and reading a couple of books together. No matter their age, reading together as a family shows your kids that books are enjoyable and that winding down as a family is a special part of the day.

3. Cook one recipe together each week

Getting kids involved in the kitchen has tons of benefits. It introduces them to new ingredients, encourages them to try something new, and builds their confidence in the kitchen. Plus, kitchen time is a great opportunity for family bonding and creating memories together. It could be baking breakfast muffins, preparing a roast for dinner, or making a big batch of banana bread to freeze for later. Whatever you decide, get everyone involved and give each person a task they’ll enjoy. Plus, kids will feel proud of their creations and gain a sense of accomplishment from working on something from start to finish.

4. Enjoy a movie night (at a pace that works for your family)

Screen time can be a tricky subject for many families, and every household has its own rhythm when it comes to balancing it. If you're trying to cut back on screen time without making it feel like a restriction (because we all know that backfires!), a routine movie night might be the solution you're looking for. Movie nights give kids the screen fix they’re craving, while also creating a special time for the whole family to relax, laugh, and enjoy a film together. Plus, it’s a great way to bring everyone together to create memories without overdoing it. The key is finding a cadence that works for your family without overdoing it or restricting. 

5. Have everyone take care of a plant

Whether you live in the suburbs with a spacious backyard garden or in the city with a small balcony, caring for plants is an easy and rewarding activity for the whole family. Give each family member their own plant to look after, with the responsibility to keep it healthy. Most of the time, this involves watering and making sure the plant gets enough sunlight. It’s a low-pressure task that kids can take pride in as they watch their plants grow. Better yet, you’ll get to enjoy the rewards, whether it’s fresh herbs, homegrown vegetables, or vibrant flowers to brighten your living space.

6. Have family meals together on the weekends

Between work, soccer practice, gymnastics, and playdates, it can be tough to get everyone together for a meal during the week. Setting a goal to eat together on the weekends is a great way to reconnect as a family. Family meals have been shown to have numerous benefits, including improved mental health and stronger family bonds. Research shows that regular family meals are linked to lower rates of disordered eating, substance use, and violent behavior in adolescents. The goal is to make it attainable and sustainable, so make it a weekend tradition. 

7. Drink more water

Most of us could benefit from drinking more water, and what better way to build this healthy habit than by doing it as a family? Start by getting everyone matching water bottles, which can make it more fun and motivating. Then, get the whole family involved by preparing fresh garnishes like sliced cucumber, mint, or citrus fruits like lemon or lime to add flavor to your water. When the whole family drinks more water together, it becomes a rewarding and enjoyable team effort.

8. Clean rooms once a week (with a reward!)

As someone who always seems to have a pile of clothes next to their bed, I know how quickly bedrooms can turn into a mess. Instead of fighting with your kids to clean their rooms every day, set aside one day each week for everyone to tidy up their space. You can keep younger kids motivated with a sticker chart, or offer older kids incentives like allowance money or an extra late bedtime as a reward. This system makes cleaning more manageable and something the kids will actually look forward to, especially when there’s a prize at the end.