With 2022 in the rearview mirror and the start of 2023 fast upon us, we can all collectively let out a sigh of relief. Ready. Set. Ahhh!

While the holiday season is a magical time, no matter what you celebrate, it can be overwhelming and nonstop for many parents and families trying to keep their children entertained and all-consumed in the holiday spirit. 

Don’t get us wrong– we love a set time to come together as a family and focus on celebrating what’s most important as the year wraps up, but there is just something so special about a new, fresh beginning that comes with the new year.

Whether you’re expecting your first little one in 2023 or hoping to make meaningful changes within your family this year, we’ve come up with a short but effective list to help you make the most of the new year ahead.

We know that New Year's resolutions are often considered the January promises that fade into nonexistence as the year trucks on. Still, we promise that these are tried-and-true family-oriented resolutions you can practice all year long. 

Before we dive into our suggestions, we want to also say that you don’t have to feel obligated to complete all five resolutions. Instead, pick a few that resonate with you, personalize them, and run with them. At the end of the day (and year!), the goal is to have fun, stay connected and be more intentional about your time and actions.

So, whatever resolutions you decide on, ensure they’re fun and fulfilling for all involved. *Say it again for the people in the back.*

Let’s explore our top 5 New Year’s resolutions for the new year. 

1. Get organized

Okay, we are the first to say that organization sometimes feels like a far-fetch phenomenon that only existed before we had little hands rummaging through toy bins, cabinets, and what we thought were well-hidden containers throughout the house. 

When we think of organization, we often think of that one joke that said cleaning up with kids is like trying to make your favorite smoothie while forgetting the blender lid. If you know, you know. 

As self-proclaimed seasoned parents, we understand that organization can feel impossible, but it’s beneficial for both you and your child. It gives them a sense of purpose while providing more structure for both of you throughout the day.

Some of the best ways to feel organized include:

• Creating a family calendar with events to look forward to (both big and small)
• Making a weekly dinner menu, so you’re not scrambling for meals
• Writing out an age-appropriate chores list to encourage your children to get involved in household upkeep 
• Make checklists and to-do lists on busier days
• Work with your child to create a specific home for everything. Once they’re done using or playing with something, it should always go back to its home. This will reduce clutter and increase accountability. 

2. Spend more time together

While this may feel like a no-brainer, time is our most valuable asset. Spending time together can get pushed to the wayside when we are focusing on work, school, and extracurricular activities every day of the week.

We understand that an opening in your schedule can be hard to come by, but try to set time aside weekly to have dinner together as a family and spend time doing something you love.

Simple yet connected ideas include:

• Taking a hike together
• Watching your favorite movie or show together
• Grabbing a bite to eat at your favorite restaurant 
• Turning off all electronic devices and reading your favorite books together as a family, or playing a board game. 

The time you spend together doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or excursion. Simple time spent together at home with family and friends is equally as important (if not more!) than showy trips and significant events.

3. Exercise together regularly

Staying active is good for your health and well-being, but it can also be a great way to stay connected with your partner and children.

Active kids are healthy kids. Active kids have a fonder love for the environment and a higher body image than those who don’t exercise or move their bodies regularly, especially if they exercise outdoors. 

The best part about working out is that it doesn’t have to feel like heavy lifting or sprints when you do it together as a family.

Exercise several times a week by:

• Going on walks through your neighborhood
• Hitting your favorite weekend hiking trails
• Taking it on two wheels by venturing off on local bike rides
• Playing your favorite games in a local park 

4. Learn something new every month

We will be the first to tell you that you’re never too old (or young!) to learn something new. Here’s a secret, though… learning something new is almost always more fun with others you love by your side.

This year we encourage you to intentionally find time to learn something new at least once a month. It doesn’t have to be extravagant to be exciting.

Some of our favorite ways to learn new things are to:

• Sign up for a cooking class
• Visit a museum
• Take a music lesson
• Participate in an online course
• Learn a language with a simple and free app
• Teach each other something you know well
• Learn a new sport

5. Be charitable

On the most basic level, we as humans believe in being openly charitable to those who need it. As a company, we instill those values in everything we do. 

From our partnership with 1% for the Planet to the actionable work we do to help mothers and children in need with the ever-charitable nature of Step by Step, we believe we are better together when we care for one another. Giving back is who we are at our core. 

If nothing else, we encourage you to tap into your own generosity this year and be charitable as a family.

Some of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to be charitable are by:

• Donating clothes that no longer fit your family
• Volunteering and donating money to a food pantry or local homeless shelter
• Donating your time to a cause that is near and dear to your heart (and our planet!)

There are so many ways to do good things in this world, and it starts with each one of us taking a step together in the right direction for the betterment of people, the planet, and the future.

New Year, Same Family

While New Year’s traditions have been around for ages and often encourage you to change something about yourself or your life entirely, we think of them as more of a fresh perspective on the current life you already have. In fact, we don’t want you to change yourself or your family dynamic immensely. We believe that what you have is already world-changing, especially if  you’re here alongside us. What we do encourage you to do is try new things, explore new places, and create new memories that will be cherished for years to come– long after this new year is over.

Whatever you decide to lean into this year, we hope that 2023 brings you joy in the little moments spent doing something you love with one another.

From all of us at Product of the North, Happy New Year!

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