We all know how hard it is to stick to New Year’s resolutions. Life moves fast and being a parent means not always having the time or the energy to meet certain goals. I wish I could say I’m the type to always achieve my yearly resolutions, but that’s unfortunately not the case. For all of the resolutions I’ve made over the years, a few proved successful, some pushed through the two-month mark and most never even made it out of January.
If you’ve followed similar suit, but are determined to make this the year your resolutions stick, check out our list of top goal-tracking apps on pg. 32. With the busyness of everyday life, these trackers can make achieving your goals so much easier.
While you might have your own goals, I’m sure you have some resolutions you’d like your kids to conquer. Maybe it’s less texting, more face-to-face talking or less junk food and more greens. Or, maybe you’d like your kids to amp up their studying. Ann Dolin shares some expert tips on pg. 10 to help your child study better and get more organized. With some simple strategies that can be practiced at home, you can help your child make good organizational skills a regular habit.
And if you’d like your little one to do a bit more reading this year, start by checking pg. 30 for some new children’s books that are full of fun and wintertime wonder.
Now I’m sure when you think about New Year’s resolutions, you’re probably not thinking about your pet, right? But, maybe you should! If little fluffy is carrying a little extra belly fat, it might be time to set a goal for your pet to lose some weight. Melanie Switzer-Reilly talked to a local veterinarian on pg. 26 about the dangers and risks of pet obesity, which is commonly overlooked. She discusses how our pet’s health should be a family affair and offers advice for keeping them healthy.
As for a family affair, instead of strictly making your own goals or your pet’s goals this year, it might be nice to make New Year’s resolutions as a family. Exercise together, go on more adventures together, read together, try out new things together, volunteer together — whatever you decide, the emphasis is on together. Setting goals as a family not only helps keep everyone more accountable, but it also brings everyone closer. And really, I think that might be the best 2019 goal of all.
Britni Petersen
Managing Editor
Washington FAMILY Magazine
