New Year’s resolutions offer an excellent chance to change your routine or try something new. For parents, they can help you to adopt a new healthy habit or take better care of yourself. The following resolution ideas are both practical and meaningful. Use them as inspiration to create your own personal goals for the year ahead.
1. Get the Kids Organized
If you are a parent who is past the newborn or infant stage, you may be excited to organize the house and the baby supplies. Start by decluttering the nursery or the kids’ rooms. Donate or give away the baby clothes, supplies or accessories you no longer need. Next, check-in your child’s drawers and closet to see if they have enough clothing in their size. Look for other items for growing kids, like toddler cups, potty training supplies or shoes. Make a list to help you get all the catch-up items you need in one trip.
When it is time to buy clothes and accessories, you can save time by shopping online. Many of the cute baby girl clothes and trendy baby boy clothes that you already love are available for purchase through an Internet browser or a phone app. Many of the same stores will also have clothing for older children and toddlers. Bodysuits, matching outfit sets, and pants and tops in solid colors make it easy to create adorable outfits for kids.
Organize their new clothing by type of garment, instead of size. If you like things extra tidy, you can also choose to sort their clothes by color. Swap out small or shabby diaper bags for functional backpacks that you can use for years to come. Now may also be the time to change adaptable cribs into toddler beds or look for a new one. Bookmark your favorite beds ahead of time so you can research their safety and quality.
When it is time to purchase, have it shipped to your door. Other excellent ways to organize the little ones include adding more storage to the closet or nursery or finding sensible storage options for toys in the living room or family room. Check off a few of these tasks to feel more accomplished in the new year. It may also help you to breathe easier in a more spacious, clean house.
2. Enjoy More Sleep
If you are still dreaming of getting more sleep, it is possible to find compromise in the year ahead. Work with your spouse or partner to add a little more shut-eye to your schedule. While it is easy to feel guilty for taking some time for yourself, there is good reason to negotiate an extra hour or two of rest. The benefits of getting more sleep include a better mood and an immunity boost.
You do not have to sleep the day away or take time away from the family schedule. Instead, start by trading an extra hour of rest on the weekends. While one parent sleeps in, the other can take care of breakfast or morning activities. Some families may find it works better to add extra rest at night. Try going to bed early on a Friday instead of catching that late movie.
Naps are an excellent alternative to sleep, especially for busy parents. By resting during midday or taking a short break in the afternoon, you will give your brain a chance to rest while taking some much-needed time to relax. There are even more benefits of napping for adults, including improving alertness and reducing daytime sleepiness.
Try taking a nap at the same time your child sleeps. You will likely need much less rest than they do, as sleep experts say that a daytime nap should only last around 20 minutes. Find a dark, comfortable place where you will not be disturbed. If you must get back to activities, set yourself an alarm so you do not fall asleep. It may take a few weeks or months to feel more energized and alert, but the benefits of extra sleep will be worth it. Check-in with your partner as you try this new routine to see how you both feel.
3. Restart an Old Hobby
When a new baby is born, many hobbies and activities fall behind. Now that you are getting back to a routine, you can make it a resolution to get back to something you love. It does not have to be complicated or take a lot of time. Instead, commit to a fun regular activity.
It could be playing the guitar, reading a novel or swimming in the pool. Start a new art project, chat with old friends or ride your bike around the neighborhood. There are many benefits of having hobbies as an adult. A fun activity can help you to relieve stress and boost your happiness. It can also help you to strengthen your social bonds and make you feel more relaxed at home and work.
If an old hobby is too time-consuming or expensive, think about how you can adjust it or make it more affordable. Parents who played an instrument or sport can engage in the activity at home or teach it to their little ones. You may even find joy in teaching or coaching. If you like to stay active, take walks or go running in the great outdoors. Explore nearby trails and parks that you have not visited in a while.
When old hobbies prove impossible, start a new one. Pick a random activity or choose one to enjoy with a friend or your partner. No matter what you choose, you will help to get your mind off your daily to-do list and have some fun.
4. Connect with Each Other
There is always a chance to connect deeper with the people you love most. This year, you can make it a point to see how you can strengthen your relationships with your family. Partners and spouses can start by committing to a monthly or quarterly date night. It may also be the right time to plan a long weekend together.
If you are still super busy as parents, try scheduling a regular
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