Many people will make New Year’s Resolutions as 2022 ends. These resolutions may or may no longer be relevant on January 1. Consider creating a family tradition. Intention-setting is more focused on your internal growth.

It is not just a lovely practice but it also helps the family to be accountable. This is a wonderful way to show your support for each other and see how you grow together and individually throughout the year. The kids will feel valued and heard when they are involved. It’s also fun to find out what your kids want to focus on for the New Year, and beyond. You can inspire a tradition that they will carry into adulthood.

Here are four simple ways for you to set New Year’s resolutions as a family.

Shine Light on The World

It’s not always easy to live. We should teach our children, that despite obstacles and challenges they will remain bright. The same goes for the family. Gather around and set intentions for ways to spread the love of your family. You can even include hot cocoa or marshmallows if you like. Each person can choose one thing that they would like to do in order to spread love and joy to others. This will strengthen the family at home.

Try smiling at strangers when you are out and about. Check in with a friend to see if they are OK.

Next, try something bigger. Volunteer to pick up trash for a neighbor who is in need or spend Sunday afternoons with an elderly home. Model good behavior for your children to help them make their intentions count.

Gratitude Is Grand

It is powerful to set an intention of practicing gratitude. We often experience more good things in our lives when we acknowledge what we are grateful for. It is beautiful to feel the energy that gratitude brings about. It can reduce anxiety and stress, and promote feelings of peace and happiness. What better time to start this practice than the holiday season?

Distribute a sheet of paper to each member of the family (glitter and colorful construction paper can be even more fun). Everyone should write down 5-10 things for which they are grateful, from extravagant items to small things that bring them joy. Each person then gets to read out their list. You might be surprised at what your children are thankful for!

Inspired? Keep a gratitude journal to keep track of your thoughts throughout the year. These journals are a great reminder to be grateful.

Meditation Magic

Mediation is going inwards and focusing your attention on your breath. Meditation may seem simple, but it has profound effects. You can never set an early intention for your family to include the children. Asking children to close their eyes for extended periods (or even just two minutes) is a challenge, especially with small children. It can be difficult to get children to sit still with their eyes closed for long periods of time (or even two minutes!) Use the magic of your imagination to guide them deep inside themselves, so that they can also experience the wonderful impact of meditation.

Ask the children to imagine that a beautiful circle of light is forming all around you. Sit in a circular position holding hands. Sit quietly and close your eyes to make the beautiful ring of lights brighter. You can see how long everyone can sit in meditation together. Light up the room to create a festive atmosphere. Even playing soft instrumental music can help everyone focus. Take a collective deep breath and release it slowly before everyone opens their eyelids. Closing the meditation with a smile and a hug will help you to relax.

Meditation For Kids: A Beginner’s Guide

Honoring Emotions & the Breath

Set a family goal to respect each other’s feelings. This will help your kids to realize that they are valid. To get your children thinking about emotions, ask them questions. What happens in their bodies when they feel frustrated or excited, for example? They will be better able to manage their emotions if they can recognize what happens to their bodies when these feelings arise. Give everyone a printed version of the human frame. Select a body frame that is child-sized for your children so they can relate. Ask them to color in the part of their body that they think is affected by different emotions. The stomach may be colored when the child describes feeling nervous or the heart if they are overjoyed.

Explain how the breath can be used to relax when feelings like sadness, anger or even excessive excitement are present. This can help reinforce the fact that emotions are important and can be expressed without being overwhelmed.

You will stay connected to your family in the New Year and beyond if you take time each day to reflect on your feelings and intentions.