3-Step Action Plan For Your Family's Best 2025
The New Year is upon us, and you’ve probably set a few resolutions for yourself. But have you set family resolutions as well? The family unit is dynamic, and positive changes for one member can have a huge impact on the whole. That’s why Family New Year’s Resolutions deserve extra attention.
Today, I’ll walk you through three steps to help make this your family’s best year yet. This process works fabulously for children of all ages. Stick around until the end—I’ll even share my family’s goals for this year!
Step 1: Commit to Setting Family Resolutions
Why should you set family resolutions? Resolutions are a powerful tool for personal growth and improvement. As the head (or co-head) of your family, this is a chance to lead by example and inspire positive change in your household.
Family resolutions offer several benefits:
They encourage a focus on self-improvement and well-being.
They increase motivation and accountability.
They foster a positive mindset and a sense of purpose.
When you set resolutions as a family, you:
Unite everyone around shared goals for personal growth and overall well-being.
Encourage open communication.
Set a positive example for your children.
Step 2: Identify Areas for Improvement
Family resolutions can be tailored to individual members or apply to the family as a whole. They’re a fantastic way to make this year one of growth, connection, and fun!
Ideas for family resolutions:
Trying something new: Explore hobbies or sports.
Tackling projects: Work on a home or garden project.
Spending quality time together: Plan a trip or attend local events.
Behavioral goals: Improve tantrum management or chore consistency.
Educational goals: Address a challenge (like handwriting) or build a skill (like early reading).
The possibilities are endless! I’d love to hear about your family’s New Year’s resolutions—share them in the comments below.
Tip: Hold a family meeting to brainstorm and finalize your resolutions. Need help? Download my free guide, How to Hold a Successful Family Meeting, at drlindsayemmerson.com/meeting.
Step 3: Set Yourself Up for Success
To ensure your family achieves its resolutions, use the SMART goals framework. It’s a method I use as a psychologist and with my own family.
Specific: Clearly define the goal and who’s responsible.
Measurable: Determine how progress will be tracked.
Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic.
Relevant: Align the goal with your family’s big-picture objectives.
Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving the goal.
Examples:
Young child learning to swim: Parents might take the lead on setting this goal.
Elementary-aged child improving emotional intelligence:
Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing emotions. It’s just as critical as traditional intelligence for thriving in life.A personal example from my family: My 9-year-old has been struggling with overreactions and emotional responses—things like exclaiming, “That was the worst biking trip ever!” We’ve noticed this behavior becoming a sore point, so we’re working on strategies to improve coping skills.
I even created a visual handout for Amazing Parents Club members to post at home, helping children become active participants in achieving the family goal. If you’re interested, check out the APC link below.
Family goal requiring parental change:
As a stay-at-home mom for 14 years, transitioning to building my online parenting business has been challenging. My resolution is to stay true to my intention of being available to my children during non-school hours—a goal that resonates with many working parents.
You’ve got this, Amazing Parents! Now you’re equipped with a 3-step action plan to make this your family’s best year yet. Keep up the good work on your parenting journey!
